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MEMOIRS 


THE LIFE, WRITINGS, AND CHARACTER 

OF 

* 

HENRY HATCHER, 

AUTHOR OF 

“ f^tstorg of Salisbury. ” 


BY 

JOHN BRITTON, F.S.A., &c. 


LONDON: 

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BURTON STREET. 

M.DCCC. XLVII. 


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MEMOIRS 


OF 

THE LIFE, WRITINGS, AND CHARACTER, 

OF 

HENRY HATCHER, 

AUTHOR OF 

“ T|tstorg of SaltsHurp,” See. 

BY 

JOHN BRITTON, F.S.A., &c. 



Drawn by F. W. Fairholt, from a Model by W. H. Hatcher. Diameter of the Works, from East to West, 1900 feet. 

VIEW OF OLD SARUM, LOOKING SOUTH. 


> > > 

LONDON: 

PRINTED FOR J. BRITTON, TO ACCOMPANY HIS 

&uto=btograpj)j!L 


M.DCCC.XLVII 




























































205449 

.’15 



C. WHITING, BEAUFORT HOUSE, STRAND. 



TO 


WILLIAM HENRY HATCHER, ESQ., 

CIVIL ENGINEER. 


My dear Sir, 

As the only child of my late lamented friend, Henry 
Hatcher, whose Memoirs are here submitted to the perusal 
of yourself and others, who may desire to know something 
of his career in life, and the varied talents he possessed, 
I address them to you, in the conviction that no person 
can be so well qualified as yourself to appreciate their 
truthfulness, fairness, and completeness. You must feel 
peculiar affection for the memory, as well as jealousy for 
the permanent fame, of a Parent, who, on every occasion, 
manifested the utmost anxiety for your comprehensive 
education, so admirably adapted to inculcate correct disci¬ 
pline of thought and action, and thereby to secure your 
constant welfare in life. 

Knowing that you have hitherto acted up to every 
principle and maxim which that Parent enjoined, I feel 
assured that you will persevere in the same course, and 
thereby ensure for yourself both worldly honour and 
lasting happiness. 

Believe me, my dear Sir, 

Your sincere Friend, 

J. BRITTON. 

February 25, 1847. 


















































































































































PREFACE. 


On the 13th of December last I received a letter from 
the late Henry Hatcher, in which he wrote as follows:— 
“ You and I both started in life at no great distance from 
each other in space, and but little more in regard to time.* 
We have, in many respects, followed the same pursuits, 
and under the impulse of similar feelings. While, how¬ 
ever, I have spent what I consider as a busy life, to very 
little purpose, you have performed a series of useful 
labours, which cannot fail to embalm your memory. At 
a time when our national antiquities, especially our ancient 
architecture, were little regarded and less studied, you 
struck out a new path, and may justly boast of having 
done more to preserve and illustrate them than any other 
man of the age in which you have lived. Whatever may 

* I cannot find much parallelism in our subsequent progress: I was bom 
in 1771, at Kington St. Michael’s; Hatcher in 1777, at Kemble.—two 
secluded rural villages in North Wiltshire. I derived but little advantage 
from school-education; he had early instruction, and almost in his boyhood 
became a teacher of languages : I was shut out from the society of persons 
of learning and literature till I had arrived at my twenty-seventh year: 
he was initiated in literature and associated with its professors even before 
he attained manhood; he was daily ensconced in a well-stored library for 
many successive years; whilst I was immured in a damp, cob webbed 
cellar, for nearly six years, at the most precious period of life for acquiring 
the rudiments of thought and learning. 

His career, acquirements, and literary works are explained in the ensu¬ 
ing pages, and, if life and health be granted to me for a few more months, 
my own may be read in the Auto-biography which I am now preparing 
for the press. 


VI 


PREFACE. 


have been the opinions of your contemporaries, the time is 
fast approaching when your services will be candidly and 
warmly acknowledged. I am impatient for the appear¬ 
ance of your Auto-biography, and earnestly hope that 
Heaven may not only give you strength and spirits for its 
completion, but as long a period of honoured age and 
tranquil enjoyment afterwards as you can reasonably 
desire.” 

Such a generous wish and testimonial from a person I 
so much esteemed, and who departed suddenly from this 
world within two days after writing the above lines, not 
only made a strong impression on my feelings, but induced 
me to write the ensuing Memoir of his career in life,— of 
his character as a man, and of his talents as an author. 
Nearly forty years have elapsed since I first .became ac¬ 
quainted with him, and in that period of time we have 
kept up a frequent correspondence on literary and archaeo¬ 
logical topics. Hence I acquired an intimate knowledge 
of the excellent qualities of his head and heart, and reci¬ 
procated all his solicitudes, and sympathised with his pur¬ 
suits, and literary undertakings. His residence in Salis¬ 
bury, where I first tasted the pleasure and excitement 
of studying and admiring Christian Architecture, in the 
unique and unparalleled cathedral of that city; and 
where also I was led to reflect with wonder on the mar¬ 
vellous monument of Stonehenge, brought us into contact 
at the beginning of the present century ; and congeniality 
of pursuits led to a confidential and friendly intercourse 
which increased with years. 

Revering the memory of my lamented friend, admiring 
his zeal and indefatigable devotion to study, his learned 


• • 


PREFACE. 


Vll 


and laborious investigations and elucidations of the His¬ 
tory of the Cathedral, and the City of Salisbury; and 
sympathising with him in the mortifying and insulting 
treatment he received in connection with his last work, I 
am impelled to submit the following pages to the candid 
consideration of his friends, and the literary public, who, I 
am assured, will ultimately and permanently render him, 
as well as his biographer, justice. 

It gratified me to learn that shortly before his decease 
the pupils of my late friend had raised by subscription 
nearly one hundred pounds, with the object of presenting 
to him a service of plate, or some other token of their 
gratitude and affection. Another party of his friends 
proposed to raise a Cenotaph to his memory, within the 
Cathedral, whose history he had written. On hearing of 
this plan I offered to present an appropriate design for 
such memorial, but have forborne to enter into competition 
with the Messrs. Osmond, the respectable sculptors of 
Salisbury, who had anticipated me by a similar tribute, 
and which I doubt not but they will execute in a tasteful 
and satisfactory manner. 

In conclusion, my acknowledgements and thanks are 
due to Mr. W. H. Hatcher, to Mr. Frederick Webb, a 
favourite pupil and confidential friend of the late Mr. 
Hatcher, and to Mr. William Yarrell, the eminent zoo¬ 
logist, for useful information and assistance in the ensuing 
Memoir. 


J. B. 



CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

Introductory Remarks—Biography, Topography—The Quarrels of Authors . 1 
Hatcher’s Birth and Education—Becomes Amanuensis to the Rev. W. Coxe . 4 
Explores numerous Barrows on Salisbury Plain—Stonehenge . . . . 5 

Discussions on the Celts and Goths.6 

Hatcher publishes a “ Translation of Richard of Cirencester’s Description of 

Britain”.7 

Remarks on the Authenticity of that Work—Dr. Stukeley’s Manuscripts— 


Bertram’s Letters.9 

Hatcher’s Literary Pursuits with Mr. Coxe.11 

Writes the “ History of Salisbury Cathedral” for Dodsworth . . .12 

Appointed Postmaster of Salisbury.13 

Leaves the Post-office, and establishes a School.ib. 

Writes “An Historical and Descriptive Account of New Sarum” . . . 16 

Engages to write the “ History of Salisbury” for Sir Richard Colt Hoare’s 

“ Modern Wiltshire”.17 

Mr. Benson claims the Authorship of that Work.18 

Account of their Controversy, with Reflections thereon .... 19—26 
Description of the Work—Notice of Dr. Maton—Appendix of Documents 26-29 
Antiquarian Investigations—Congress of the Archaeological Association . . 30 

Mr. Hatcher’s Death.31 

Testimonial and proposed Cenotaph in Salisbury Cathedral . . . .32 

Personal Qualifications, and Literary Attainments.ib. 

Knowledge of Archaeology.34 

His views on the subject of Education . 


36 










MEMOIRS 

OF 


HENRY HATCHES. 


Authentic and discriminating Biography is an essential branch 
of Literature: for, whilst it tends to illustrate the personal history 
and the intellectual powers of an individual, it affords data and 
materials for developing the history of his age and country. 

What Biography is to general Literature, Topography is to His¬ 
tory. The man who devotes his time and his abilities to elucidate 
the annals of a particular locality, is a substantial benefactor to the 
general Historian. Such a man was Henry Hatcher, whose 
simple career in life I am about to describe; and who, in his “ His¬ 
tory of Salisbury,” has given to the world a literary legacy of such 
intrinsic value as must perpetuate his name to distant ages. 

The Science of Topography has not hitherto been duly studied 
and appreciated. There are a few important works in which its 
powers and utility have been successfully demonstrated; but it has 
been often trifled with and misemployed: its genuine historical 
qualities and attributes being too often utterly unknown to those 
who have attempted to write accounts of particular places.* 

* I have endeavoured to define and describe its varied characteristics and 
utility in an “ Essay on Topography,” published by the “ Wiltshire Topographical 
Society.” 4to. 1843. 


B 


2 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


Salisbury lias been, and still is, a peculiar city. The records of 
its foundation and growth; its vicissitudes in warfare and in peace, 
in famine, plague, and prosperity; its civic and ecclesiastical chroni¬ 
cles; will be found to illustrate many of the most remarkable events 
in the annals of the nation; whilst, in other instances, they verify 
and narrate curious facts and circumstances immediately belonging 
to the locality. 

All of these are carefully deduced and defined in Hatcher’s valu¬ 
able “ History of Old and New Sarum,” for that work is founded on 
genuine evidence and indubitable record; and, whilst it displays an 
unusual combination of zeal, industry, learning, and varied talents, 
it shews the rise, progress, and fluctuations of the English govern¬ 
ment and the English people, from the sera of Celtic colonization 
down to the present century. 

In the course of the ensuing notice I shall have occasion to add 
another chapter to the lamentable catalogue and narratives of the 
“ Quarrels of Authors,” as recorded by Mr. D’Israeli. Since his 
work was published many other instances might be enumerated. 
The literary man is generally considered as belonging to the genus 
irritabile; but were he not possessed of this acute sensibility, this 
quickness of perception and excitement, he w T ould be unfitted for 
the profession of Authorship. That faculty of the mind which is 
called intellectuality, or genius, derives its chief pleasure in the ac¬ 
quirement and dissemination of knowledge, and he who is endowed 
with it cannot fail to be annoyed by any thing that may be said 
or insinuated against his personal character or writings. Yet, of 
the many literary persons I have known, I cannot refer to one who 
was less likely to be involved in controversy, or quarrel, than my 
esteemed friend, Hatcher. Naturally placid, temperate and philo¬ 
sophic, he pursued his studies and occupation with a tenor of mind at 
once equable and forbearing. Jealous and envious of no one, he 
loved learning for its own sake, and diligently studied to attain it, in 
its most extended sense. He seemed never to tire in his researches 
and investigations; but, on the contrary, acquired new energies and 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


3 


fresh stimuli from each successive labour. The insatiable appetite 
for knowledge seemed rather to increase than to be appeased “ by 
what it fed on.” Believing that the fame which he had justly 
earned, by seven years literary labour on his “ History of Salisbury,” 
was about to be wrested from him in the latter part of his life, we 
cannot be surprised if he expressed his feelings in a tone of indig¬ 
nation little accordant with his ordinary suavity and amiability. 

I commenced this memoir in the expectation of comprising it 
within a few pages, and with the intention of introducing it into 
my own Auto-Biography: for that work will necessarily embrace 
brief notices of my literary and artistic friends, particularly of those 
who have been connected with my various publications. Henry 
Hatcher was one of these; and he has, moreover, strong claims on 
my sympathies and esteem, from many years’ intimacy, and from 
congeniality of studies and pursuits. Frequent correspondence, and 
occasional personal intercourse with him, together with information 
freely afforded by his son, since his decease, have, I trust, enabled 
me to give a judicious and faithful account of the principal events 
in his life, as well as of his literary works and merits. 

Though a modest and retiring man, moving and acting in a very 
limited sphere, with a name but little known in the wide world of let¬ 
ters, he was not only eminently qualified to adorn it, but has rendered 
it truly valuable service. Hatcher’s early situation in life was peculiar. 
Even in boyhood he was placed in a position which fostered his 
young and ardent desire to acquire a knowledge of languages and of 
books; being tutor in four academies before he attained the age of 
seventeen, when he was engaged as Amanuensis to the Reverend 
William Coxe. Intimately associated with that gentleman’s future 
career of authorship, Hatcher was comparatively abstracted from 
the active world; he became, in fact, a sort of novice in a cloister, 
and thus pursued a quiet, but toilsome course of intense study and 
literary labour for many years. 

This connexion and occupation could not fail to make strong im¬ 
pressions on a mind so plastic and retentive as that of Hatcher. 

B 2 


4 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 

The peculiar character and associations of the country in which the 
Reverend Author was placed, were alike calculated to influence and 
give a permanent bias to the studies of his juvenile amanuensis: and 
we may confidently attribute Hatcher’s partiality for antiquarian 
and topographical literature to the researches and investigations 
which he made in early life, as the unknown, but diligent, assistant 
of Mr. Coxe. 

But that I may not anticipate events, or disconnect a regular 
narrative, it will be necessary to detail certain particulars of his 
birth, parentage, and career in life; which, although they may 
be comprised in a short compass, are calculated to furnish abundant 
matter for useful comment and reflection. 

Henry Hatcher was born on the 14th of May, 1777. In his 
edition of Richard of Cirencester he mentions that historian as his 
“ townsman;” but, strictly speaking, he was a native of the village 
of Kemble, in the vicinity of Cirencester; his father being a small 
farmer and landholder in that parish. 

He received his earliest tuition at a school in Cirencester, and, on 
the removal of his parents to Salisbury, about 1790, he was placed 
under the care of Mr. West of that city, with whom he made con¬ 
siderable progress in the classics, mathematics, and other branches 
of education. When he was only fourteen years old, he was en¬ 
gaged as a junior assistant in the same school, and within the next 
three years he filled the like situation successively in the schools 
of the Reverend Dr. Evans, in the Close, Salisbury; Mr. Ward, 
Southampton ; and the Reverend Mr. Dusetoy, of Petersfield: and 
thus acquired that experience in tuition which proved most valua¬ 
ble to him in after years. 

About the close of the year 1794, or the beginning of 1795, he 
was engaged as amanuensis and secretary to the Reverend William 
Coxe, Rector of Bemerton, in Wiltshire, who had acquired some 
literary fame by his published “ Travels in Switzerland, Poland, 
Russia, Sweden, and Denmark.” In the spring of 1795 he accom- 


EARLY LIFE: 1794 TO 1802. 


5 


panied that gentleman to London, and there formed a friendship 
with Mr. Yarrell, the eminent naturalist, which continued without 
interruption until his death. 

In 1796, Mr. Coxe published an edition of “ Gay’s Fables,” with 
notes, and a Life of the Author (8vo); also an Essay “On the 
Secret Tribunals of Westphalia.” These publications were followed, 
two years afterwards, by “ Memoirs of Sir Robert Walpole,” in 
three quarto volumes; in which, as well as in the previous works, 
Hatcher assisted the Reverend Author. 

About the year 1800, Mr. Coxe commenced an “Historical 
Tour in Monmouthshire;” and was led by the nature of the subjects 
involved in that undertaking, to explore the Roman Roads in his 
own County,—Wiltshire;—which occupied his attention during the 
space of two years. He was ably supported in his investigations 
by Hatcher, who, even at that early period, manifested much zeal and 
knowledge in Topographical and Antiquarian pursuits. He sug¬ 
gested to Mr. Coxe that a sum of Fifty Founds, which had been sub¬ 
scribed to raise the lately fallen trilithon at Stonehenge, might be 
advantageously employed in exploring some of the numerous barrows 
on Salisbury Plain. The suggestion was acquiesced in, and the 
opening of the barrows was commenced on the 27th of May, 1802. 
It was continued to a great extent by the late Sir Richard Colt 
Hoare; and Hatcher was usually present with the Baronet, Mi*. 
Coxe, Mr. Cunnington, and others, on such occasions * 

* The fall of one of the large trilithons of Stonehenge, in 1797, was a remarkable 
event in the history of that remarkable monument. It excited the attention and 
comments of many antiquaries, and gave a new attraction to the ancient remains 
on Salisbury Plain. Mr. Cunnington, of Heytesbury, on the south-western borders 
of the Plain, was induced to explore many of the castrametations, earth-works, 
barrows, &c., in the vicinity of his abode, and had collected a great quantity of 
British and Roman urns, coins, celts, fibulae, and other vestiges of former ages. 
He was in the habit of sending me accounts and drawings of many of these, in 
consequence of my announcement of a work on “ The Beauties of Wiltshire,” two 
volumes, which I published in 1801. About that time Sir Richard Hoare purchased 
Mr. Cunnington’s collection, and prohibited that gentleman from furnishing me with 
further information on the subject. This injunction my friend faithfully complied 


6 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


In the autumn of the same year, Hatcher accompanied Mr. Coxe 
to examine the Roman Roads and other antiquities of Dorsetshire; 
and the zeal of the latter for topographical pursuits being quickened 
by these proceedings, he conceived the plan of writing a History of 
Wiltshire; and circulated a prospectus announcing his design. 

In arranging and transcribing for the press Mr. Coxe’s “ Tour in 
Monmouthshire” (2 vols. 4to, 1801), a great variety of curious and 
interesting archaeological matter necessarily came under Hatcher’s 
review: for that county abounds with numerous vestiges of the 
ancient Britons, Romans, Saxons, Normans, and other subsequent 
occupants. A few years afterwards, Sir Richard Hoare (who was an 
intimate friend and associate of Mr. Coxe) published his translation 
of “ Giraldus Cambrensis’ Itinerary of Wales” (4to, 1806), in the 
preparation of which he consulted and employed Hatcher. Simul¬ 
taneously with these publications there was much discussion and 
controversy amongst historical and antiquarian critics respecting the 
first peopling of Britain, and the origin and migrations of the Celts, 
Goths, and other ancient nations. Besides Mr. Coxe and Sir Richard 
Hoare; John Pinkerton, William Owen, Sharon Turner, Robert 
Southey, and others became engaged in the discussion, w T hich was 
also taken up by the Edinburgh and other reviews. “ A Vindi¬ 
cation of the Celts,” Pinkerton’s “ Geography,” and Southey’s 
“ Madoc,” likewise attracted the particular notice and study of 
readers on the subject.* 

with, hut continued his correspondence and personal intercourse witli me to the 
time of his death. The whole of his information and drawings, with much additional 
matter, was published by Sir Richard Hoare, in two folio Volumes, entitled “The 
History of Ancient Wiltshire” (Vol. i., South Wiltshire, 1810 .—Vol. ii., North 
Wiltshire, 1821 ). The first Volume is appropriately dedicated to the Memory of 
William Cunnington, “ whose interesting collections and important discoveries,” 
gave origin to the work. 

* At this time I had the plea sure of being intimate with the above gentlemen, and 
heard many of their conversations and contentions. Pinkerton was an intemperate 
and unscrupulous writer, as well as a pertinacious theorist; and, having espoused 
a cause, would often resort to dogmatic assertion, misquotation, false reference, and 


RICHARD OF CIRENCESTER. 


7 


Hatcher had acquired a confirmed partiality for such pursuits, and 
was thence induced to publish, in 1809, the original text, with a 
translation and notes, of Richard of Cirencester’s “ Description of 
Britain.”* This volume he printed anonymously, and dedicated it 
to the Reverend Wm. Coxe, “in testimony of respect and grati¬ 
tude.” 

The present is not a place to discuss the authenticity and proper 
degree of credit due to the treatise of Richard, the Monk of West¬ 
minster, a question which is briefly argued by Hatcher in his Preface. 
Written, or professing to have been written, in the fourteenth cen¬ 
tury, the Manuscript remained undiscovered till 1747, when Charles 
Julius Bertram, professor of the English Language at the Royal 
Marine Academy at Copenhagen, sent a transcript of the whole to 

other subterfuge to aid or bolster up his opinions. Of this, he is convicted in the 
“ Vindication of the Celts,” published anonymously, but mainly written by Mr. Coxe, 
and submitted to the revisal of Mr. Owen, Sir Richard Hoare, Mr. Cunnington, the 
Reverend Thomas Leman, and Mr. Hatcher. Pinkerton criticised it with much bit¬ 
terness, in the second volume of the Edinburgh Review. Mr. Sharon Turner was 
at the same time actively and zealously engaged on his “ History of the Anglo- 
Saxons,” which he wrote in an inflated style, in imitation of Gibbon, whence the 
first edition excited but little attention. He afterwards nearly re-wrote the work, 
and made it progressively popular. In the interesting “ Life of William Taylor, 
of Norwich,” are many letters by Southey respecting “ Madoc,” and the literature, 
reviews, &c., of the period referred to. 

* “ The Description of Britain, translated from Richard of Cirencester; with the 
Original Treatise, De Situ Britannias; and a Commentary on the Itinerary; illus¬ 
trated with Maps.” London: 8vo, p. 320. (A few large paper copies were printed.) 
He had originally purposed to dedicate this work to the Rev. Thomas Leman, 
as an acknowledgement of the important assistance he had received from that gen¬ 
tleman in the loan of his manuscript commentary on Richard’s Itinerary, and in his 
examination and revision of the work while being printed. The following extract 
of a letter from Mr. Leman to Hatcher explains the reason of the change of his 
intentions:—“I should think it would be better to dedicate your w T ork to some 
person more known in the world than myself, and as I wish that the sale of it-may 
remunerate you for your trouble, consult Mr. Coxe about your patron—suppose 
Lord Pembroke, Mr. Penruddock Wyndham, or the Bishop of Cloyne, or Sir Richard 
Colt Hoare.” 


8 


MEMOIRS OE HENRY HATCHER. 


Dr. Stukeley. That enthusiastic and zealous antiquary published an 
analysis of the work, with the “ Itinerary,” ten years afterwards; 
when the original was also printed at Copenhagen, by Bertram, in 
an octavo volume, which embraced in addition, the works of Gildas 
and Nennius. This volume had become very scarce, and Hatcher 
made fruitless endeavours to procure a copy in London, and from 
Copenhagen. Mr. Coxe supplied him with that which he used for 
reprinting and translating, and the favour is duly acknowledged 
in the Preface, as well as “ his kind advice and inspection during 
the progress of the work.” 

Hatcher also records his obligations to the Bishop of Cloyne,* to 
the Reverend Thomas Leman,* to Sir Richard Colt Hoare, and to 
William Owen, Esq., for various communications on the subject of 
the work.f 

I am permitted by my energetic and kind friend Mr. C. Roach 
Smith to quote some passages from Hatcher’s letters to him relating 
to this publication. In one, he says, “ I have perhaps no right to 
complain of the fate which has attended, niy Richard of Cirencester. 
I sent it into the world without a name, and ought not to wonder 
that it has been kidnapped.” (August, 1845.) In July, 1846, he 
says, “ I intended to have drawn up a short memoir relative to 
Richard of Cirencester, for the Gloucester meeting [of the British 
Archaeological Association], and might have asserted his claims to 
be regarded as an authority, but in my present case, I fear I must 
not engage for any thing. The last six months have shaken me 

* The learned Bishop Bennett and his congenial friend, Mr. Leman, of Bath, 
devoted several successive summers in traversing the course of certain lines of 
Roman Road in England; and wrote copious notes of their observations, &c. Those 
by the latter are preserved in the Literary Institution, at Bath: the substance of 
them being communicated to me for the Beauties of England and its accompanying 
Atlas. The Bishop’s observations were presented to Messrs. Lysons, for their 
“ Magna Britannia.” 

t 

f The manuscript notes and remarks of these gentlemen on Hatcher’s text are 
in the possession of his son. 


BERTRAM’S LETTERS TO STUKELEY. 


9 


sadly.” In December last, he writes, “ Captain JolifFe called my 
attention to the Gentleman’s Magazine (Oct. 1846),* for the observa¬ 
tions on Richard of Cirencester. After all they are only fighting 
with the wind. In my edition, I gave up, long ago, his description 
of Britain and his Chronology, except the account of the rank held 
by the British Towns, which was only known from Richard, and has 
in most particulars been verified. But what no cavilling can set 
aside, is his Itinerary. No forger could have guessed at the ex¬ 
istence of Roman Roads not known even to our native antiquaries, 
and this in more instances than one. As for poor Bertram, the 
sneers at him are as unmerited as they are ridiculous. Even Wid- 
more, the Librarian of Westminster, is not spared, though his com¬ 
munications are palpably authentic. I intended once to have set 
this question at rest, but that time is now gone by.” 

It is not generally known that the original letters from Bertram 
to Dr. Stukeley, respecting the manuscript of Richard of Cirencester, 
are now in my possession, together with the whole of the Doctor’s 
Diaries, and also numerous Manuscripts and Sketches. The letters 
extend over a period of two years, and satisfactorily exonerate Stuke¬ 
ley from a participation in the fraud, if, indeed, any was committed 
by Bertram. Some years ago I submitted the correspondence to a 
friend whose attainments render him highly qualified to form an 
opinion on the subject; the Reverend Joseph Hunter. That gentle¬ 
man favoured me with a letter, wherein he adverts to the very 
suspicious manner in which Bertram professes to have obtained 
possession of the original manuscript. An Englishman (he 
states), who had been wild in his youth, had stolen it out of 
a larger manuscript in an English Library: he gave it to Ber¬ 
tram, at Copenhagen, and enjoined him to keep it secret. Ber¬ 
tram suffered no one to see the said manuscript. “In fact,” says 
Mr. Hunter, “ there is every reason to conclude that no eye ever 
was permitted to fall upon it but Bertram’s. He made the copy, 

* This contains a translation, from the Rheinisches Museum, of Mr. Wex’s Dis¬ 
sertation on Richard of Cirencester. 


10 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


and the engraving of the Map, with his own hands. When 
Stukeley suggested that the manuscript should he deposited in the 
British Museum, and offered to purchase it for that purpose, 
Bertram would not listen to the proposal. No one is known to 
have seen it, Bertram living;—no one pretends to have heard of 
it, Bertram dead.” Coupling these circumstances with such of the 
internal evidence as tends to render the authenticity of the work 
doubtful, Mr. Hunter expresses strong suspicions upon the matter; 
but he observes, “for my own part, I must profess, at present, a 
want of conviction either way: but then I ought to add that I have 
never given the subject that minute and complete examination, out 
of which conviction can alone result; a work indeed, which,—I 
believe, I speak within compass when I say it,—would require five 
or six months of close and constant attention. In fact, it would re¬ 
quire the complete mastery of the whole scope of the Roman Geo¬ 
graphy of Britain, and the disposal of certain theories on that sub¬ 
ject, each of which would be of itself a study.” 

More elaborate, therefore, and intricate, than the Rowleian con¬ 
troversy, or the Shakspere forgeries, this question has hitherto 
remained, like the authorship of the “ Letters of Junius,” # one of 
the mysteries of literature; and an approximation to the truth is, per¬ 
haps, the utmost that can be anticipated. 

To return to the narrative of Hatcher’s industrious but unob- 

* Many attempts have been made to explain and identify the author of these 
famed political epistles, which, indeed, like the works of Shakspere, are almost 
smothered by the weight of commentaries. Yet, in spite of the learning, zeal, dili¬ 
gence, and varied information of the different writers who have published volumes 
and pamphlets on the subject, not one of them has satisfied the public scepticism. 
Undismayed by these failures I shall venture another guess—shall adduce new 
facts and evidence—shall name persons peculiarly and pre-eminently qualified, at 
the time, to furnish all the information these letters contained, and who were per¬ 
sonally and politically adapted to carry on the ambushed warfare they had com¬ 
menced. That the subject should be involved in difficulty and perplexity is natural 
and reasonable, for the Letters aimed at radical reform, their object was to expose 
vice and villany, and consequently provoke the rogue and the villain. I hope and 
believe that I shall unmask the face, withdraw the curtain, and dissipate the shade. 


HISTORY OF SALISBURY CATHEDRAL. 


11 


trusive career. Antiquities and Topography continued to be his 
favourite studies long after they had been abandoned by his friend 
Mr. Coxe. That gentleman, indeed, appears to have pursued them 
for a few years only, under a temporary impulse; being at the same 
time engaged upon “Memoirs of Horatio Lord Walpole,” and a 
new edition of his “ Travels in Switzerland;” both of which works 
were published in 1802. He soon after commenced a “ History of 
the House of Austria” (3 vols. 4to, 1807), and relinquished his con¬ 
templated County History. 

In 1811 Hatcher assisted his patron in “ The Literary Life and 
Select Works of Benjamin Stillingfleet;” and afterwards in the 
“ History of the Bourbon Kings of Spain” (1813). In the preface to 
the latter work, the author thus honourably mentions the useful aid 
afforded by his amanuensis. “ I cannot close my Preface without 
acknowledging my obligations to my faithful and intelligent secre¬ 
tary, Mr. Hatcher, for the very great advantages which I have 
derived from his assistance, in preparing this work for the press; 
and in particular from his knowledge of the Spanish and Portu¬ 
guese languages. His modesty prevented me from making this 
acknowledgement in my former publications; but I can no longer 
withhold this tribute of my esteem and gratitude, for his literary 
services, during a period of sixteen years.” 

Mr. Hatcher’s next literary occupation was in connexion with the 
most interesting ecclesiastical edifice in this country. In 1814, I 
issued the first portion of my “History and Illustrations of Salis¬ 
bury Cathedral;” being the commencement of the extensive work 
known under the general title of the Cathedral Antiquities. I had 
long contemplated such a volume, and had announced it for 
speedy publication in 1812; adding that it was advertised before 
the completion of the Architectural Antiquities (on which I was 
then engaged), in consequence of my being informed that “ unless I 
proceeded with it, another person, or persons, would supersede, or 
oppose me.” At the same time I claimed “ no further patronage 
than the intrinsic quality of my publication might deserve.” 


12 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


These remarks had reference to a projected volume on the same 
Cathedral, and in the same style and mode of execution as my own, 
which had been undertaken in competition with mine, by William 
Dodsworth, the Verger of the Cathedral. With that gentleman, 
who, though far from being a literary man, was superior to his 
position in life, I had been, and continued throughout our rivalry, 
on terms of intimacy and friendship. I had known Hatcher for 
some time as the secretary of Mr. Coxe (who in 1805 had been 
appointed Archdeacon of Wiltshire), and have now before me the 
first letter which I received from him on literary subjects. This is 
dated the 23rd of May, 1813; and is a reply to an application for 
assistance in examining the Episcopal Registers at Salisbury; to 
enable me, if possible, to excel the work announced by Dodsworth. 
His response is so truly honourable to his integrity and his feelings, 
that I am induced to quote it: “I imagine when you wrote you were 
not aware of the situation in which I stand with regard to Mr. 
Dodsworth, who, as you know, is compiling an account of our 
Cathedral. From a desire to serve an old and intimate friend, I 
undertook to examine for him the Books of that Establishment; and 
the Dean and Chapter, who granted him the permission, did me 
the honour to give me access to their Records, under proper restric¬ 
tions. A trust of this kind is sacred; and of course I cannot con¬ 
sider myself as master of the information I may obtain by such a 
search, even for my own use. In any other way, I shall readily 
give you any hint in my power; but I should deceive you, were 
I not candidly to confess that the time which I am able to devote 
to antiquities is scanty, and my means limited.” 

Of course I was left to prepare the literary portion of my “ Salis¬ 
bury Cathedral” without the advantages enjoyed by Dodsworth and 
Hatcher, both of whom were resident in the City:—and I have 
always admitted that Hatcher’s volume surpassed mine in its Histo¬ 
rical facts. My competitor had likewise the benefit of Frederick 
Nash’s assistance in the Illustrations; for that gentleman, although 
visiting Salisbury expressly to make Drawings for me, and at my 


POSTMASTER OF SALISBURY. 


13 


expense, was not actuated by similar feelings to those expressed by 
Hatcher, and most unscrupulously transferred his services to my 
rival, Dodsworth.* 

In his Preface that gentleman says; “ my acknowledgements are 
due to my friend Mr. Hatcher, to whom I owe the information 
drawn from the Records of the Establishment. I am also greatly 
indebted to him for his kind assistance in the arrangement and 
composition of the work.” The following passage, however, from 
a letter by Hatcher to Robert Benson, Esq. (Devizes Gazette , Dec. 1, 
1843), shows more clearly the extent of his connexion with the 
volume:—“Mr. Dodsworth had engaged to publish a History of the 
Cathedral, relying on the promise of assistance from Mr. Luxford, 
who then edited the Salisbury Journal. But that gentleman died, 
and he found a formidable competitor in Mr. Britton, who was 
about to commence his splendid series of Cathedral Histories with 
Salisbury. In his embarrassment he applied to me, and I bore him 
through it, disinterestedly . To those who know the warmth of his 
feelings, I need not assert, that I restrained the expression of his 
gratitude. The book was immediately ascribed to me ; but I may 
add, that I was almost the last person in the city to admit it to be 
mine.” 

In 1817, the Office of Postmaster at Salisbury became vacant. 
Mr. Hatcher was receiving from Mr. Coxe at that time about 150/. 
per annum; and, therefore, gladly availed himself of the influence of 
that gentleman, and his patron, the Earl of Pembroke, to obtain 
the appointment referred to; in which, besides the usual perquisites of 
a Country Postmaster, he was to receive an annual income of 170/. 
After quitting Mr. Coxe he, however, continued to assist him in 
his literary pursuits, being frequently at Bemerton, and writing 
much for him at home. This co-operation is acknowledged by the 
Archdeacon in his “ Memoirs of John Duke of Marlborough,” 

* In my Auto-biography will be found a brief explanation of this occurrence, and 
of other dishonourable transactions by artists, relating to St. George’s Chapel, 
Windsor, to Fonthill Abbey, &c. 


14 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


(3 vols.j 4to, 1817—19) in the following terms:—“ In enumerating 
a list of those who have contributed their aid, it would be injustice 
not to repeat my grateful acknowledgements to Mr. Hatcher, my late 
secretary, now postmaster of Salisbury, for his able and indefatigable 
exertions, in preparing these Memoirs for the press.” 

In 1817, Mr. Hatcher was married to Anne, eldest daughter of 
Richard Amor, of Wilsford, near Devizes, and in 1821, his only 
son, William Henry Hatcher, was born. 

His reasons for leaving the Post Office are detailed in a letter to 
me, dated Christmas day, 1822, in which he says, “ I shall be most 
happy to promote your views by any means in my power: not, re¬ 
member, from any temptation of fee or reward, but from the real 
pleasure I shall feel in making some return for your friendly atten¬ 
tions. We have once wooed the same mistress; but as she found 
no difficulty in admitting a plurality of husbands, we may quietly 
shake hands, and sit down in peace and charity towards each other. 
You will, perhaps, be in some degree surprised to hear that I am 
about to relinquish the Post Office. The fact is, that I have for 
some time found the duty attached to it rather more than my strength 
would bear; and at the present time attempts have been made to 
extend the period of attendance so far, and abridge my assistants so 
much, that any further struggle was out of the question. I have 
been besides treated in the manner the least justifiable, in being 
kept in ignorance of certain petty frauds said to be committed by my 
clerk, for nearly four months, though daily subject to the risk of 
being unconsciously implicated in them; without taking into account 
the many ways in which a person at once artful and dishonest might 
have injured, if not ruined me, at least in reputation. The detail 
tells very little to the credit of the principal agent employed in it; 
but I am happy to exonerate Mr. Freeling from any knowledge 
of a transaction so repugnant to his feelings as a gentleman* 

* Mr. (afterwards Sir Francis) Freeling, throughout the whole transaction, testi¬ 
fied a sincere and friendly feeling towards Hatcher, and strongly expressed his 
regret that he persisted in his intention to resign the appointment. 


SCHOLASTIC PURSUITS. 


15 


“ My present plan is to establish a school, for which I have made 
preparations, and taken a house. I have received great encourage¬ 
ment, and intend to commence my operations at Lady Day. I 
think I shall begin with ten pupils, and I shall, perhaps, never want 
more than twenty. The enclosed cards will give you some idea of 
my system, which is rather out of the ordinary way. I do not in¬ 
tend to rear scions for Divinity, Physic, and Law, but for the active 
business of life; and my object is to give the elder class that species 
of finish, which is rarely attained at a mere classical school. If you 
can serve me by your kind recommendation, I know I shall have no 
occasion to ask you.” 

Hatcher entered warmly upon his new course of life; but finding 
the house which he had taken for the purpose, in the parish of 
Fisherton-Anger, inconvenient, he removed his school about two 
years afterwards to Endless Street, Salisbury, where he continued to 
reside untd his death. In August, 1829, he wrote to me in the 
following language:—“I fear I shall never have time to meddle 
with the History of Salisbury. With half a hundred noisy and 
idle youths to superintend, it is not possible to give long and 
steady attention to any thing. Sir Richard Hoare himself, I under¬ 
stand, will undertake the account of Salisbury, for his History 
of Wiltshire. He once much wished me to take it in hand; but I 
then found antiquarian investigation as little compatible with the 
mechanical duties of the Post-Office, as I should now with those of 
a school. However, there is one comfort: the trade of a school¬ 
master is the best in point of profit that I have yet exercised, and 
I prefer solid pudding to empty praise.” Very shortly afterwards 
I was gratified to receive a more positive assurance of the success 
attending his professional avocations. “For my own part,” he says, 

“ I find tolerable occupation for my time in inculcating the mysteries 

% 

of the Latin grammar; and though my employment wants the zest 
and novelty which I have found in others, it answers my purpose 
very well. It gives me all the comforts, and even luxuries, I 
want; and if I go* on as I have hitherto done, it will enable me to 


16 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


do something for old age or a wet day. I am philosopher enough 
to think this the summum bonum. In saying, however, I confine 
my attention to Latin grammar, I asserted too much. I have lately 
rubbed the rust off my Anglo-Saxon; and really find almost as 
much pleasure in so dry and confined a pursuit, as I have found 
in others much more varied and apparently more attractive.” 

Hatcher’s old friend and patron, Archdeacon Coxe, died in the 
month of June, 1828, having remembered and complimented his 
confidential amanuensis in his last Will, with a legacy of two 
hundred and twenty pounds. During his life he had often inti¬ 
mated his wish that Hatcher should become his biographer ; but 
this desire was frustrated by certain proceedings on the part of 
Mr. Coxe’s surviving relatives, which Hatcher always regarded as 
unhandsome towards himself. They were carried on with a total 
disregard to the decided wish of Mr. Coxe; whose memory has 
consequently been deprived of that honour which his faithful secre¬ 
tary alone, from long and intimate connexion with his patron, could 
adequately secure for it. 

Hatcher’s quiet career presents nothing further to record until we 
reach the year 1834, when he produced a small volume of 170 pages, 
entitled, tl An Historical and Descriptive Account of New Sarum.” 
This anonymous volume was the condensed result of many years’ 
collections for the topography and history of the city of his adoption. 
He gave the publisher, Mr. Clapperton, permission to print 500 copies, 
without any pecuniary remuneration. Writing to me, with a pre¬ 
sentation volume, he observes: “ I have no objection to be known as 
the author of this little tract. You will, I hope, find it contains a 
good deal of original information. My view of the Roman and 
Saxon period has the merit of novelty, and yet I am satisfied it 
is true. The more I traverse the ground, and I have done it foot 
by foot, the more I am confirmed in my opinion. I have myself 
not the slightest interest in the work; but it may serve the purpose 
of Clapperton to get it announced, or brought into notice.” 

In the autumn of the same year (1834) he was pleasingly occupied 


HOARE^S “ MODERN WILTSHIRE.” 


17 


A 


in making a ground plan of the original Cathedral of Old Sarum; 
traces of the foundation of which, had then become visible, and ex¬ 
cited much attention. He wrote an interesting paper on this sub¬ 
ject. About the same time, he discovered among the muniments 
of Salisbury Cathedral, a manuscript copy of the Institutions, or 
Ordinale of Bishop Osmund, of which he also wrote an account. 

Sir Richard Hoare expressed a wish that Hatcher should allow him 
to include these in his intended history of Old and New Sarum, 
and thus writes to the latter, in 1835. “ As I am writing the his¬ 

tory of Old Sarum, your memoir will be a great addition to it, and 
appear in a fitter place than in the Archseologia.” He assented to 
this request; and shortly afterwards Sir Richard renewed a pro¬ 
posal, which had been declined by Hatcher in 1817, to prepare a 
History of Salisbury, as a portion of the “ Modern Wiltshire.” 

That work had been undertaken by Sir Richard as a companion 
to his “ Ancient Wiltshire,” already noticed; but finding the His¬ 
tory of the whole county too arduous to be performed by any 
individual, he endeavoured to induce some of his literary friends 
to write particular hundreds. A few years after Hatcher’s refusal 
to undertake the History of Salisbury, Sir Richard had applied 
to Mr. R. Benson of that city, then a young man, pursuing his legal 
studies, to attempt that portion; and from 1821 to 1835, that gen¬ 
tleman was understood to be occupied in collecting materials, and 
writing the said work. Nothing, however, appears to have been 
prepared for the press, and Sir Richard Hoare, who felt anxious for 
its publication, again urged Hatcher to write the Salisbury. At 
first he hesitated; but finally agreed to do so, and Mr. Benson’s 
papers were transferred to him in August, 1836. 

From that time, until the end of 1843, Hatcher devoted every 
moment he could spare from his daily avocations, to the projected 
“History of Salisbury.” But in the final publication of that elabo¬ 
rate work, he became painfully involved in a literary dispute with 
Mr. Benson, who, as a native of Salisbury, and a barrister;—as well as 

from his station in life, and his attainments;—was well qualified to 

c 


18 


MEMOIRS OF IIENRY HATCHER. 


render useful services to liis natal city, and to him who might 
undertake its history. To this tantalising event in the life of my 
once esteemed friend, I have alluded in an earlier page. Know¬ 
ing, as I do, the whole origin, progress, and termination of the 
quarrel, I am enabled to give a concise, perspicuous, and I hope, an 
impartial account of it: and in doing so, I shall bear in mind the 
language of the poet, and 

“ Nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice.” 

It is difficult for any person otherwise unacquainted with the sub¬ 
ject, to understand the true state of the case from the pamphlets issued 
by the parties; but I trust that my long experience in the “ art, 
trade, and mystery” of authorship, will entitle my evidence to some 
credit in the court of conscience and j ustice. 

It is to me quite clear that both parties erred at the commencement 
of the dispute, and that both were somewhat too pertinacious. Mr. 
Benson, finding that the task of writing a History of Salisbury 
would require more time, with more personal and mental labour, 
than he was either qualified or disposed to bestow upon it, was 
doubtless glad to be released by Sir Richard from the toil; and 
when, at length, the papers were assigned to Hatcher, he expressed 
his obligations for being thus relieved of a load of responsibility 
and solicitude. In doing this he intimated that Hatcher was to 
make what use he pleased of his materials, and to exercise his 
own discretion and judgment in executing the work. With this 
latitude the latter commenced de novo. He was familiar with 
the locality, with the sources whence authorities were to be de¬ 
rived, and the whole arcana of Topographical Science. Instead of 
merely preparing and arranging Benson’s papers directly for the 
press, he was impelled to go over the whole of the ground anew, and 
to write, for printing, every page, from the beginning to the end of 
the narrative. It is true he adopted some of the writings of Benson; 
but these are distinctly and clearly indicated in his Preface, and in 
the notes to the Volume; whence it may be seen that, excepting 


THE HISTORIAN OF SALISBURY. 


19 


some biographical notices, they were of such a nature as Benson 
might properly call “ compilations.” Such writings may be regarded 
as the amusements of literature, and such as have too often consti¬ 
tuted the main portions of Topographical works: but the task which 
Hatcher had undertaken involved a long examination of ancient 
and difficult records; an inquiry into their authenticity; a discrimi¬ 
nating judgment as to what parts of them were applicable to his 
specific purpose; a careful comparison of them with historic annals; 
and a judicious application of the result to elucidate and verify his 
own History. This laborious and arduous task, it is evident from 
the Volume itself, was performed most ably. He had long been 
accustomed to such a course of study and writing; and was in every 
respect eminently qualified to be the Historian of Salisbury. 

One who, by years of laborious assiduity, accomplishes the task I 
have endeavoured to describe, is to all intents and purposes,—to all the 
canons of reason and common sense,—an Author; —not a Com¬ 
piler ;—not an Editor. Benson, however, in his Preface, which is a 
disingenuous and disreputable piece of special pleading, calls the 
work a “ posthumous production” of Sir Richard Hoare’s, who had 
no share whatever in its composition, and describes himself and 
Hatcher as the u Compilers:' moreover, in his pamphlet on the sub¬ 
ject, he frequently refers to Hatcher, with sneers and sarcasm, as a 
literary drudge. Such phrases and such insinuations are neither literary 
nor gentlemanly; and it is not surprising that Hatcher should have felt 
acutely, and expressed himself strongly in reply. The Bar, perhaps 
more than any other profession, has its assumptions and presumptions; 
and its own laws and practice too often over-ride those of moral and 
political ordinances. Many eminent and able Barristers do not con¬ 
sider it in any degree immoral or disreputable to plead the cause of 
roguery, of swindling, or of murder; or to use every art and artifice 
of “ quirk” and “ quibble,” to " make the worse appear the better 
cause.” Others again receive large fees with large briefs, which, 
from excess of business, they have neither time to study nor to look 
at, until the cases come into court; and even then are often absent, 

C 2 


:20 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


because they have another, perhaps more profitable occupation else¬ 
where * And in the case before us, one of this “ honourable pro¬ 
fession,” a learned “ limb of the law,” has the illiberality to sneer 
at, and endeavour to degrade and traduce the Author ,—the indus¬ 
trious and accomplished literary drudge, —because he receives money 
for the exercise of his best abilities, and for mental labour in the dis¬ 
semination of useful knowledge. How arbitrary and purblind is 
prejudice! Because it has been customary for the advocate to 
receive fees to plead any cause, however desperate or illegal, the 
practice is not only tolerated, but considered honourable; but if the 
literary man is paid for his exertions by a publisher, he is stig¬ 
matised as a drudge, a hireling, a mere compiler, a servant to a 
tradesman! When will Authors associate to vindicate their pro¬ 
fession, and form a social, moral, and mental union ? 

It cannot be thought irrelevant to define clearly the relative sig¬ 
nification of the terms Author, Editor , and Compiler, and to show 
that the last word has no more application to the writer of the 
History of Salisbury, than to the historian of the “ Decline and Fall 
of the Roman Empire.” I have already explained the province of 
the Author of a topographical work. A Compiler is one who cuts 
out, or extracts certain passages from books or documents, adding 
occasionally necessary words to connect them into the form of a 
book. “ To read and to compile ,” says Southey, “ are occupations of 
no effort; they are works of amusement, and never make the face burn, 
or the brain throb.”f An Editor is both an author and a compiler; 
his duty being to make up a volume, newspaper, magazine, review, 
or other publication, by writing some parts, himself, and selecting 
other original or printed matter to make up the remainder. It is 
true that there are topographical works which are merely compila¬ 
tions, and others which are Editorial, n their mode of execution; 
but the History of Salisbury; the History of Whalley, by Dr. Whi- 

* The Times of February 3rd and 8th, 1847, has animadverted with proper and 
laudable severity on this peculiar but common species of misconduct and knavery. 

f Life of William Taylor, vol. i., p. 429. 


CONTROVERSY WITH BENSON. 


21 


taker; the History of Northamptonshire, by Baker; the History of 
Durham, by Surtees; the History of Hallamshire, by Hunter; with 
some few others, which I could name, are as much original works 
as Carte’s, or .Hume’s “ History of England;” Robertson’s “ Scot¬ 
land;” or Hallam’s “ Middle Ages;” and, like those justly famed 
works, entitle their respective writers to all the honours and rewards 
of successful Authorship. 

The following statement comprises the leading facts in the acri¬ 
monious and lamentable controversy between Hatcher and Benson. 
There can be no doubt that the materials which Benson began to 
collect, in 1821, were regarded by Sir Richard Hoare, in 1835, as 
valuable; but it is equally clear that Hatcher had been making col¬ 
lections, for a work on the History and Antiquities of Salisbury, as 
early as 1812. That he was well acquainted with the subject in 
1834, his “ Historical and Descriptive Account of New Sarum,” 
published in that year, as mentioned in a preceding page, amply 
and clearly proves. When the manuscript collections were trans¬ 
ferred to Hatcher, Benson distinctly assured that gentleman that he 
had himself renounced the undertaking. Such, at least, is the posi¬ 
tive assertion of the former. On the contrary, Benson states that, 
without relinquishing his own share in the work, he “ offered to as¬ 
sociate Mr. Hatcher with himself, as joint author.” Unfortunately 
there was no written agreement upon this point. 

Upon examining Benson’s papers, Hatcher “ found his transcripts 
incorrect in many places, and very imperfect,” which involved him 
in the necessity of going over the same records, and of renewing 
and extending his own researches. Benson admits that one of their 
earliest conversations was about (t the sources of information not 
yet explored;” and it is evident that during the years 1837, 1838, 
and 1839, a very considerable space of time was employed by 
Hatcher in researches and in writing the narrative of the History. 

During those years Benson occasionally called on, and conversed 
with him on the subject of the work in progress. He has cited 
extracts from his private diary, showing that he supplied some fur- 


22 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


ther materials and references, and contends these passages prove 
that, throughout the progress of the work, he never relinquished the 
superintendence of it, as the author, whilst Hatcher was merely per¬ 
forming, “ for hire , that drudgery which was incompatible with his 
engagements, and intended for his alleviation; without trenching 
on his supervision, and literary responsibility.” Hatcher, however, 
in replying to Benson’s pamphlet, has shewn that the time spent in 
each other’s company, in the interviews referred to, between August, 
1836, and April, 1840, could not have exceeded forty-two hours. 
Benson’s visits were few enough, even for the ordinary intimacy of 
fellow-townsmen; and it was perfectly natural that their conversation 
should turn chiefly upon the great work in progress, and that he 
should furnish Hatcher with an occasional suggestion. He has not 
stated any thing which can justify the inference that he was exercis¬ 
ing the control of an author over a paid assistant. 

In'April, - 1840, the first portion of the manuscript was placed 
in the hands of Messrs. Nichols. After the printing began, Benson 
asked Hatcher “ to allow him to read the proofs as they came from 
the press, to gratify , as he said, his curiosity .” This was readily com¬ 
plied with, and henceforth the entries in Benson’s Diary are very 
frequent; and it is plain that he made many useful suggestions to 
Hatcher; besides writing biographical notices of four natives of the 
city, with one of whom he had been connected in relationship, and 
with another as an intimate friend. His suggestions, however, 
were “ always offered with expressions of deference, and accom¬ 
panied with frequent apologies.” Hatcher “ adopted or rejected 
them at his pleasure; and the revise, or final proof, passed through 
his hands alone.” It is true that Hatcher seems to have been 
anxious to profit by Benson’s critical perusal of the proofs, and 
sometimes uses language of submission to his judgment and wishes; 
but not stronger than was consistent with his own independence, 
as the author, and his natural anxiety to make the work as ac¬ 
curate as possible in every respect. 

It is quite plain that the printers tacitly recognised and always 


MR. MERRIK HOARE,—HATCHER AND BENSON. 


23 


referred to Hatcher as the Author. Mr. Nichols consented to relin¬ 
quish the copyright of the volume (which had been bequeathed to 
him by Sir Richard Colt Idoare,) in favour of Hatcher, and in 
consequence of that arrangement, Benson applied to him for “a line, 
acknowledging his copyright in the lives which he had fur¬ 
nished; in the event of his ever wishing to publish them sepa¬ 
rately.” This certainly is unlike the proceeding of one who claims 
the entire control of a literary work, and this inference is strength¬ 
ened by the statement, that, in the autumn of 1841, Benson, “for 
the first time intimated a wish that his name might appear in the 
Title-page; — not y however , said he to Hatcher, pari passu with 
yours? This request appears conclusive against the claims which 
Benson afterwards advanced, and the proceedings he adopted. 

Hatcher is accused with insidiously impressing on Mr. Merrik 
Hoare # his sole authorship of the Volume; whereas he asserts, that 
his antagonist obtained an introduction to Mr. Hoare, ostensibly to 
suggest some additional engravings, but with the covert aim of de¬ 
frauding him of his credit and title as the Author. 

On the 21st of March, 1842, Benson addressed a “Represen¬ 
tation” to Mr. M. Hoare, in which he utterly rejects Hatcher’s claims 
to the authorship, and describes him merely as a hired assistant en¬ 
gaged in the performance of necessary drudgery. This led to a 
counter-statement from Hatcher, and thenceforward the parties were 
involved, not merely in angry correspondence, but in a public 
quarrel. Mr. Merrik Hoare (perhaps somewhat hastily,) refused to see 
the author, or have any communication with him, but through the 
medium of his solicitors. Hatcher repeatedly challenged Benson to 
submit an examination of his claims to “ any number of competent 
judges of Salisbury and its neighbourhood, including the Bishop, 
the Dean, and resident members of the Chapter;” and offered to 
lay before them all the manuscript and proof sheets of the work, 
to shew the extent of Benson’s aid. To this proposal, however, he 

* On Sir Richard Iloare’s death in 1838, Mr. Merrik Hoare, as his Executor, 
requested Hatcher to continue aud complete the History. 


24 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


declined to accede. It is quite clear from many , letters which I 
received from Hatcher, at this period, that he felt himself to be 
not only injured, hut grossly insulted, and bitterly lamented his 
connexion with the 11 Modern Wiltshire.” 

In preparing an Appendix to the Volume, he was more or less 
occupied, from the beginning of the controversy, till the early part 
of 1843. He then wrote a Preface to the work, wherein, after men¬ 
tioning the transfer to him of Benson’s collections, and dwelling 
upon his own previous inquiries, he points out distinctly what parts 
of his opponent’s materials he had used; and acknowledges his obli¬ 
gations to those individuals who, from 1812 to 1843, had facilitated 
and assisted his researches. This Preface, accompanied by a Title- 
page, bearing the name of “ Henry Hatcher” only, was set up in 
type by Messrs. Nichols; but at this crisis Mr. M. Hoare again stepped 
in, and announced his determination not to exclude Benson’s name 
from the Title-page, and even held out a threat, through his soli¬ 
citors, of representing him as the sole author; at the same time stat¬ 
ing that he u could not avail himself” of Hatcher’s Preface, “ as the 
language in which it was couched did not meet his approbation.” 

Notwithstanding Hatcher strongly protested against it, he acted 
strictly in conformity with this intimation; and in the following July, 
Benson wrote a new Preface, speaking of himself and Hatcher as 
“ the Compilers and a Title-page, as follows : “ The History of 
Modern Wiltshire, by Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart.—Old and 
New Sarum, or Salisbury, by Robert Benson, Esq., M.A. and Henry 
Hatcher, Esq.”* 

With this Title-page and Preface, the work was published, in 
August, 1843. Hatcher then printed those which had been sup¬ 
pressed, with a “ statement of the circumstances connected with 
the publication.” Benson answered this in a pamphlet, entitled. 
“ Facts and Observations touching Mr. Hatcher, and the History of 
Salisbury;” to which the latter replied, on the 1st of December, in 
a letter which appeared in the Devizes Gazette. 

* Mr. Hatcher’s Title-page was:—“The History of Modern Wiltshire.—Old and 
New Sarum, or Salisbury, by Henry Hatcher. 


OBITUARY NOTICE OF MR. BENSON. 


25 


Upon an impartial review of the whole controversy, I feel bound 
to express my conviction that Mr. M. Hoare did not do justice to 
the extraordinary zeal and ability which Hatcher had displayed, in 
assuming that the two hundred pounds which he received, or in¬ 
deed, any pecuniary payment, could authorize the placing his 
name in the Volume secondary to that of Benson. 

Benson died on the 21st of June, 1844, and was interred in the 
Cathedral Church of Salisbury. An obituary notice of him will be 
found in the “ Gentleman’s Magazine” of the September following, 
—where the controversy is particularly mentioned. “ It will be seen,” 
says the writer, “ that whatever was the amount of time and labour 
bestowed by Mr. Benson on this undertaking, and whatever the 
benefits derived to it from his general acquaintance with literature, 
and his legal acquirements, they could in no case supersede or equal 
the vast amount of Mr. Hatcher’s most assiduous labours; and what¬ 
ever, in the controversy, might be Mr. Benson’s skill in argument, 
or the brilliancy of his style, they are more than balanced by the 
facts adduced by Mr. Hatcher, who has no occasion to regret the 
manly efforts he made in his self-defence.” 

It is only reasonable to conclude that this passage was approved 
by Messrs. Nichols, the respected publishers of the “ Gentleman’s 
Magazine.” Hatcher evidently felt during the controversy, that 
those gentlemen yielded too readily to the views of Benson and 
Mr. Merrik Hoare, and did not exert that influence in his favour 
which he supposed them to possess. The paragraph just quoted 
would, however, show that they fully sympathised with him on 
the subject; and from their peculiar position in the transaction, 
as printers, employed and paid by the Executors of Sir Richard 
Hoare, they were entirely dependant on, and necessarily subservient 
to, the latter. Unfortunately, the Executors were deceived by the 
insidious representations of Benson; who not only prejudiced their 
minds, but those of their Solicitors. Against this powerful phalanx 
Hatcher had to contend single-handed; but having truth and justice 
on his side, he fought nobly and courageously throughout,—as is 
particularly shown in his spirited letters to the Solicitors. 


26 


MEMOIRS OF IIENRY HATCHER. 


If the preceding statement and remarks should appear to the 
impartial reader to be in the least degree uncandid or unfair, I shall 
not have done justice to my own feelings and intentions. My 
object has been to vindicate, in the first instance, the cause of 
truth, and the profession of Authorship; and secondly, to rescue 
a deserving and unassuming man from the obloquy and con¬ 
tumely which had been levelled at him, by a gentleman who 
employed every means at his command, ungenerously, and in my 
opinion, very unjustly, to impeach his private and his public 
character. If, however, the present statement be regarded as 
completely justifying the claims of Henry Hatcher to the Author¬ 
ship of the work in question, and as invalidating those of 
Benson; then I hope and trust that some plan will be adopted 
to repair the injury which has been inflicted on the former. The 
least that should be done would be to cancel the Title-page and 
Preface to the volume, and substitute those proposed by Hatcher:— 
for I must repeat that the present Title is incorrect and false, and, 
together with the Preface, calculated to degrade and depreciate 
the Author and his works, as well as to reproach the liberal Baronet 
who projected the publication, and his equally liberal relative who 
caused it to be completed. 

Of the general nature and execution of Hatcher’s History of Salis¬ 
bury, it is but justice to the Author and to the reader, to give some 
account; for only a very limited number of copies has been printed, 
and of these, a small portion only were distributed. Though 
new, it may indeed be regarded as a scarce book ; yet, as a topo¬ 
graphical work, it is of such intrinsic value and general interest, 
that every lover of the subject, and every well-stored library, should 
possess it. 

After the observations I have already made it is hardly necessary 
to say that I consider the Title-page of the Volume objectionable. 
The work is in fact “ The History of Salisbury, preceded by 
historical disquisitions on that of Old Sarum ; by Henry Hatcher: 
forming part of Sir R. C. Hoare’s ‘ Modern Wiltshire, South Divi¬ 
sion.’ ” Hatcher dedicated the work to Sir Hugh Richard Hoare, 


“ HISTORY OF SALISBURY” DESCRIBED. 


27 


Baronet, the successor of Sir Richard Colt Hoare. The dedication 
substituted by Benson was addressed to “ George Matcham, of 
Newhouse, Esq., one of the few surviving friends of the late 
Sir Richard Colt 'Hoare, Bart., who were accustomed to assemble 
annually at Stourhead, to assist him in preparing his History of 
Modern Wiltshire, and partake of the graceful hospitalities of that 
splendid mansion.” Benson here selected a personal friend, and 
associate, as the Dedicatee of the work. The amiable, and the ge¬ 
nerous Mr. Merrik Hoare, would have been the most proper person 
to name, as he personally promoted the publication of the Volume. 

Of the rival Prefaces I have already spoken; and proceed there¬ 
fore, to give some account of the History of Salisbury. This 
is divided into forty-seven Chapters, followed by one describing the 
general appearance and internal arrangement of the City; and an¬ 
other comprising Biographical notices of its eminent natives. The 
History alone occupies 586 printed pages. The first chapter describes 
the condition of Old Sarum, from its earliest known state, as a for¬ 
tress of the ancient Britons, or Celts, to the time of the Domesday 
Survey. This portion of the subject is briefly, but clearly treated: 
the author evinces an intimate knowledge of the subject, and ad¬ 
vances only such rational views, upon topics necessarily obscure, 
as may be pronounced convincing to the general reader, and indis¬ 
putable to the critic. The next chapter is devoted chiefly to such 
particulars as have been preserved relating to the original Cathedral, 
founded and built by Bishop Osmund, at Old Sarum, at the close 
of the eleventh century; and that which follows records, in succes¬ 
sion, the many important events connected with the city, and illus¬ 
trating the state of its civil and ecclesiastical inhabitants down to 
the thirteenth century; when the removal of the Cathedral establish¬ 
ment to New Sarum, or Salisbury , was accomplished, and the pre¬ 
sent church was commenced. The three ensuing chapters carry 
the Historical narrative through the thirteenth century; and in its 
course elucidates, by many curious particulars, the state, privileges, 
and government of the city; its commercial rivalry witli Wilton, 


28 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


and several public events of importance connected witli the 
locality, and also with the national annals. The seventh to the 
twenty-first chapters inclusive (pp. 72 to 246), are devoted to 
similar matter, down to the time of the suppression of monasteries. 
The events of local interest from that time to the Restoration of 
Charles the Second, are of a peculiar nature, and tend to elucidate 
an important period of English History. They are fully detailed (in 
chapters xxii. to xxxvi. inclusive, pp. 247 to 442), whilst those of 
subsequent date,—described even more copiously,—fill the remain¬ 
ing eleven chapters. A glance at the Table of Contents will suffi¬ 
ciently show the varied and important matters discussed throughout 
this narrative: but an attempt to particularise them would require 
more space than is consistent with this memoir. The descriptive 
chapter clearly and correctly defines the remarkable characteristics of 
Salisbury. That devoted to Biographical matter is, in some respects, 
too concise. Benson supplied the Memoirs of four of the Worthies 
of Salisbury, viz.: John Greenhill, Robert Bateman Wray, William 
Benson Earle, and John Pern Tinney. The space devoted to these 
individuals, is large in proportion to the limits to which Hatcher 
restricted himself in writing of men of greater eminence. 

As a judicious accompaniment to the History of Salisbury, 
the volume contains notices of the Natural History of the neigh¬ 
bourhood of the city, by the late amiable Dr. Maton;* and a 
brief sketch of the Geology of the same district by Mr. W. H. 
Hatcher. These are followed by Lists of the Bishops, Mayors, 
Representatives in Parliament, Recorders, Incumbents of the 
livings, &c.; and the whole work is concluded by an Appendix 
containing the Charters, Grants, Licences, Commissions, Visitations, 

* This learned and accomplished man, who was, early in life, appointed Physician 
Extraordinary to Queen Charlotte, furnished me with an account of his native city, 
for my first Topographical Essay, “ The Beauties of Wiltshire.” He continued his 
friendship as long as he lived, and often rendered me essential professional advice 
in sickness. On two critical occasions he saved my life by prompt and skilful 
applications. His memory and merits are indelibly embalmed in my heart. 


DOCUMENTS AND ENGRAVINGS. 


29 


and other documents on which the previous Narrative is mainly 
founded. These are in some cases given fully; in others, extracts 
only have been printed : but altogether, embracing more than a 
hundred different items, this Appendix constitutes, without excep¬ 
tion, the most extraordinary mass of documentary evidence ever 
brought forward on a single city. It is indeed a perfect treasure to 
the student in topography and archaeology; for, besides its value as 
an important auxiliary to general history, it affords most curious and 
interesting specimens of the language, phraseology, orthography, 
and other peculiarities of official documents, from the eleventh to 
the nineteenth century. The vigilant care and learning necessary 
to transcribe, arrange, and superintend such a collection through the 
press, with accuracy, can only be appreciated by those who have 
had experience in such labours. 

The Engravings in this volume are twenty-four in number; and 
these are far from being well chosen or well executed. The fron¬ 
tispiece (the monument to Sir R. C. Hoare, in Salisbury Cathedral, 
an etching by the sculptor) is such as he must now feel ashamed of. 
An accurate plan of Old Sarum, by the son of the author, is the 
most satisfactory illustration. The Topographer, the Antiquary, and 
the Artist expected, and desired, a correct plan of the city, views of 
the most interesting ancient houses and public buildings, with en¬ 
gravings from some of the drawings which are preserved in the 
Stourhead Library. Though all historical matter on the Cathedral 
is omitted (as having been anticipated in other works), copies of 
two old prints of the church and the detached bell-tower are re¬ 
engraved and introduced. 

During the preparation of his volume on Salisbury I enjoyed 
frequent correspondence with Hatcher. In going through the 
Bishop’s and other Registers, he met with numerous passages re¬ 
lating to my native parish, Kington St. Michael’s, Wiltshire; some 
of which are curious and interesting. He forwarded copies to me, 
with his usual kindness and generosity, evincing at the same time 
much anxiety that his friend, Mr. Edward Davies, the Registrar, 
should receive my acknowledgements for the favour. 


30 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


Although the conflict in which he had been engaged with 
Benson gave him, for the time, a thorough distaste for subjects of 
Topography and Antiquity; it was not probable that its influence 
would be very lasting.* Accordingly, in August, 1844, we find 
him contributing a paper to the Salisbury Journal on certain 
historical matters connected with the ancient Palace of Clarendon , 
near Salisbury; describing also some recent explorations there. 

To the elucidation of the history of this spot, so interesting to an 
antiquary, as having been for a long period a favourite residence 
of the Kings of England, and connected with some of the most 
stirring events recorded in the annals of our country, Hatcher 
devoted much time and attention. He was ever most anxious to 
clear and examine thoroughly the remains of this ancient palace, 
which are almost hidden by brushwood; and in conjunction with 
Dr. Fowler, of Salisbury, he laboured to attain so desirable an 
object. Their exertions had the effect of procuring the repair and 
restoration of a part of the palace yet remaining. 

Hatcher was a Member of the Committee at the Congress of the 
British Archaeological Association at Winchester, in August, 1845. 
Having conducted some investigations of Roman Remains at West 
Dean , in Wiltshire, he wrote an account of excavations and dis¬ 
coveries of pavements, walls, &c., for the meeting of the Associa¬ 
tion. His communication, with illustrations, is printed in the 
u Transactions” of the Society. In that volume is another com¬ 
munication from the same pen “ on the Roman Roads and Stations 
of Hampshire ,” which will be found to manifest an intimate fami¬ 
liarity with the subject. The long disputed site of the Roman 
station Calleva, is plainly shewn to have been at Silchester, that 
remarkable and much obscured ancient town. The other stations 
and roads of the county are ably described and defined. 

On the 28th of February, 1846, Hatcher lost his excellent and 
affectionate wife. Her health had been long declining; but she 

* “ I do not,” he says, “ give much time or attention to antiquities, nor am I 
likely to do so again. However, the cask will long retain the flavour of the wine, 
and I am pleased to hear of the doings of others.”—(16th October, 1844.) 


mS SUDDEN DEATH. 


31 


was at last mercifully released, without apparent pain. The hus¬ 
band suffered most acutely under his loss. To an early and warmly 
attached friend (Mr. Yarrell), he wrote in language which it may not 
be improper to quote. “ None but those who knew her modest worth, 
and unobtrusive virtues, can form an adequate idea how painful the 
separation must be from one who, for nearly thirty years, proved 
herself a tender, faithful, and judicious friend; who has heightened 
my few pleasures, and alleviated the cares and perplexities of an 
anxious life. My future is desolate and melancholy, but I hope God 
will strengthen me under the trial, for the sake of those who are left.” 

At Midsummer last, Hatcher was induced to undertake a jour¬ 
ney to London, where he intended to spend a fortnight. He was, 
however, taken ill on the second day; and, after suffering a good deal 
of inconvenience, was glad to return to Salisbury as soon as he could 
venture to travel. Again at home, he encouraged hopes of speedy 
restoration, which appear, indeed, to have been realised, for in 
November he thus addressed his friend Mr. Yarrell: “For myself, 
I am very well in health, considering the period I have reached, 
and I have no reason to complain of much loss of activity, either 
bodily or mentally; though I had to bear a good deal of indisposition 
after my London visit in the summer.” 

It will be sufficiently apparent from this cheering account of his 
own health and spirits, how great must have been the shock sus¬ 
tained by Hatcher’s friends, on learning that he was suddenly 
removed from this world. He breathed his last, apparently uncon¬ 
sciously, and during sleep, early on the morning of Monday, the 
14th of December last, in his 70th year. Such an end was to him 
most merciful; as it released him from the suffering and sickness, 
which generally attend declining years. 

Hatcher’s death was recorded in the Wiltshire newspapers, with 
a brief tribute of respect to his memory, and regret for his loss: 
subscriptions were immediately commenced by the Dean, the mem¬ 
bers of the Chapter, and the influential inhabitants of the city, to 
erect a Tablet to his memory in the Cathedral. His pupils had pre- 


32 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


viously collected a sum of money to present him with a testimonial 
of their esteem, hut his sudden decease prevented the accomplish¬ 
ment, to himself, of an undertaking which would have afforded him 
ho ordinary gratification. I offered to furnish a design for the pro¬ 
posed memorial; but having been anticipated by Messrs. Osmond, of 
Salisbury, gentlemen who have already executed several monuments 
with great taste and ability, it only remains for me to co-operate 
with them in this last tribute of regard for our much-esteemed friend. 
On this subject, I cannot refrain from quoting another of Hatcher’s 
letters to me, wherein, speaking of the monument to Sir Richard 
Hoare, in the same Cathedral, he says, “ By the bye, I do not like 
a Latin inscription for Sir Richard. I can allow a commentator 
on the Classics to have his merits recorded in bald Latin, but a 
man who has written in English, ought to be celebrated in English. 
Besides, monuments and mile-stones are for the multitude 

I have already alluded to the many amiable qualities which cha¬ 
racterised the subject of this memoir. It is now necessary to advert 
to the extent and variety of his mental attainments. Hatcher had 
manifested, early in life, a desire to acquire different languages, and 
sought every opportunity to indulge in this partiality. He had a 
rare opportunity of acquiring the French, in his intimacy with 
many French refugees who were resident in Salisbury. He spoke 
that language so well as to have been frequently mistaken for a 

* On this subject I entertain warm feelings and decided opinions. The arro¬ 
gance, the impolicy, the absurdity, and the folly of writing Epitaphs and other 
public commemorations in the Greek or Latin languages, cannot be too strongly 
reprobated. To impart information, to “point a moral,” by precept and example, 
the plain and simple language of our country cannot be surpassed in expressiveness 
and utility. The English tongue is, indeed, so copious, so perspicuous, so full of 
significant phraseology, that it is unequalled by any other, either ancient or 
modern. It has been well observed by the poet Crabbe, that “the dead languages 
ought long since to have been buried and forgotten.” Southey moreover truly ob¬ 
serves, “Ours is a noble language, a beautiful language! I can tolerate a Ger¬ 
manism for family sake; but he who uses a Latin or a French phrase where a pure 
old English word does as well, ought to be hung, drawn, and quartered, for high 
treason against his mother-tongue .”—{Life of William Taylor.) 


HIS KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGES. 


33 


native of France. When he was a young man, he availed himself 
of his visit to London with Mr. Coxe to obtain instruction in 
German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, for acquiring which, 
but few facilities, at that period, presented themselves in a country 
place like Salisbury; and he both read and spoke those languages, 
as well as Dutch, with ease. He was a good classical scholar, 
and had read the ancient authors very attentively, as his manu¬ 
script notes in many of his books testify. He had also within the 
last year, read over again, very diligently, many of the Greek 
Tragedies, and he proposed to continue his reading through the 
whole, with a view, it is believed, to translating them for his own 
amusement. He gave it as a reason for declining some overtures 
from Sir Richard Hoare, respecting the History of Salisbury, in 1835, 
that he was then engaged in the study of the Northern Languages, 
to which he had for some years devoted his leisure hours. He had, 
indeed, a strong desire to acquire the various Teutonic dialects, and 
was well acquainted with Anglo-Saxon. His son is in possession of 
a Glossary of that language, and an abridged Anglo-Saxon Gram¬ 
mar, both in his own hand-writing. 

He had acquired a thorough knowledge of the higher branches 
of the Mathematics; and, from an idea he once had of entering the 
Engineer service, he had also thoroughly studied Fortification. He 
has left a work in manuscript upon the latter subject, and another 
on Military and Physical Geography. 

As a proof of the activity of his mind, even to the time of his 
decease, in a letter written to his son only the preceding evening, 
he informed him that he was about to commence the study of Mine¬ 
ralogy and Geology anew, as he found that what he had learnt on 
those subjects when a young man, was not now sufficient. 

As an Antiquary, Hatcher was a peculiarly zealous and dili¬ 
gent student, and, I may venture to say, a proficient. “ I can¬ 
not conceive,” he says, “ any pursuit more interesting and really 
instructive than Antiquities, whether embracing laws, manners 
and customs, or arts and sciences. Indeed I know not how a 

D 


34 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


man can be an historian, a lawyer, a painter, a sculptor, or an 
architect, without a knowledge of antiquity. I do not mean the 
fancy for collecting old buttons, rusty iron-work, and cherubs with¬ 
out wings, noses, or heads; but a thorough search into the ten 
thousand details of every kind, which still remain buried in the 
dust of ages. It is a disgrace to us, as an intelligent people, that 
we have no such thing as a professorship either of our own national 
antiquities, or of those whose example we seem most to study, the 
Greeks and Romans.” 

With these feelings he applied himself with enthusiasm to the 
study of our national antiquities, as contained in Wiltshire, Dorset¬ 
shire, and the adjoining counties; and was especially familiar with 
Celtic or Druidical temples, the earthworks, barrows, trackways, 
and roads, formed in the British, Roman, and Saxon eras. His 
manuscript collections illustrating these and other antiquities, of 
more recent ages, are voluminous and valuable, comprising, as they 
do, extracts from, or copies of. Wills, Deeds, Charters, &c., extend¬ 
ing from the earliest known records down to the present time. 

It is hardly necessary to observe that from his frequent examina¬ 
tion of the Episcopal and Chapter Records of Salisbury, Hatcher 
had become more familiar with those extraordinary collections than 
any other person. A remarkable proof of this, and of the reputation 
he had acquired for accuracy and care in his researches, calls for a 
brief notice in these Memoirs. It appears that some doubts and dis¬ 
cussion had arisen at Dublin respecting the right of the Archbishop 
to a vote in the Chapter of the Cathedral of St. Patrick, and it was 
proposed that the Usum Sarum , or custom of Salisbury , should 
decide the question at issue. The very extensive series of records 
preserved there, rendered it probable that the disputed custom 
might be ascertained with certainty 'from the archives. Hatcher 
was employed as the individual best qualified to examine them; 
and in the execution of the task he sacrificed considerable time. 
His labours in making extracts from numerous records, from the 
earliest period to the present time, were rewarded by satisfactory 


SUMMARY OF HIS LITERARY LABOURS. 


35 


proof that the Bishops of Salisbury have enjoyed the privilege of 
voting in chapter; not, however, in right of their episcopal office, 
hut as Prebendaries of Potterne, in the County of Wilts. The pos¬ 
session of a similar office by the Archbishops of Dublin, decided 
the question which had been raised in favour of their right to vote. 
Hatcher’s charge for this laborious inquiry was much less than is 
usually paid for such investigations, but I regret to add that his ac¬ 
tual remuneration was very small, and inadequate to the time and 
skill employed. Here again he felt chagrined and mortified. 

Hatcher, as already mentioned, assisted Sir Richard Hoare in 
his edition of Giraldus Cambrensis ; and also in his Tour in Sicily , 
and Recollections Abroad; and often gave me judicious advice in 
reference to my own publications; particularly in that part of the 
“ Picturesque Antiquities of English Cities” which relates to Salis¬ 
bury. He was a frequent contributor to the Salisbury and Devizes 
newspapers, on matters of local interest. In a letter to me, dated 
January, 1843, he gives this summary of his literary labours:— 
“ Last year was the fiftieth since I became in some degree connected 
with Literature. In that interval twenty-five quarto volumes have 
passed through my hands as amanuensis, or editor. I have written 
one quarto, two octavos, and a folio of about 800 pages. I have 
acquired twelve languages or dialects, and I have dabbled with 
many other matters of which I am scarcely suspected. Through 
all this I have waded, I may say solely by my own exertions, and 
I have still, at sixty-five, to work hard for a livelihood. Our dear 
and valued country is a precious place for those who do not under¬ 
stand the direct art of money-getting. I sometimes fancy it cannot 
be so everywhere.” 

His assiduous attention to the routine duties of his school was 
most exemplary. He wrote and published (in 1835), for the 
use of his pupils, a small tract calculated for their improvement in 
syntax and composition, which he modestly entitled “ A Supplement 
to the Grammar, containing Rhetorical and Logical Definitions and 
Rules; and Rules of abridgement, variation, and amplification.”— 


36 


MEMOIRS OF HENRY HATCHER. 


(12mo, 24 pp.) He always entertained a strong feeling against 
devoting so large a proportion of the time usually spent by boys at 
school to the study of the classics. For those who were not destined 
for the Church or the Bar, he uniformly wished to substitute a 
course of instruction in the modern Continental languages, in pure 
and applied mathematics, in mechanical science, geography and his¬ 
tory, embracing in the last, the science of antiquities, or the records 
of progress in the arts and in civilisation. He would have added, 
as far as possible, a knowledge of the principles of chemistry, geology, 
and mineralogy. Anxious, however, as he was to carry out this 
scheme, he was compelled to yield to the prejudice which he felt he 
could not successfully oppose. 

On a dispassionate review of the mental powers, and the natural 
temperament of the able Historian of Salisbury, we cannot hesitate 
in admitting that he was never fully appreciated and rewarded. 
Had he been fortunately placed in one of the learned and important 
offices under Government—such as keeper or commissioner of the 
Records, State papers, or Parliamentary Library;—he would have 
become nationally useful, and have been proportionably remunerated. 
But, alas! too many of such places have been occupied by drones, 
whilst the humble and industrious bees have toiled on through life, 
and died unrewarded and unhonoured. 


THE END. 


PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION. 


THE 


AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 

OF 


JOHN BRITTON, F.S.A. 

FELLOW AND HONORARY MEMBER OF SEVERAL OTHER SOCIETIES, ENGLISH AND 

FOREIGN. 


EIlustrateR fin scbfral (£ngratrings. 



LONDON: 

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE SUBSCRIBERS TO THE 

BRITTON TESTIMONIAL. 


M.DCCC.XLVII. 














































ADDRESS. 


The volume here announced will furnish an Auto-biograpliy of the 
Author, who projected, and wrote part of the Beauties of England 
and Wales, which was commenced in 1800, and extended to 26 
volumes, 8vo;—of the Architectural , and the Cathedral Antiquities, 
(19 vols. 4to, from 1805 to 1828,) and of other Literary works, 
which, it is generally admitted, produced marked and permanent 
effects on the embellished publications of the country. To elucidate 
and explain the.origin, progress, and characteristics of those, and to 
shew their influence on the Fine Arts, as well as on Archaeological 
and Topographical Literature, will be the main object of the Author; 
whilst he must necessarily advert to, and remark on, artists, critics, 
and other persons and matters connected with the Literary profes¬ 
sion, as exemplified in his own personal career. 

The last half-century is replete with stirring and memorable facts 
illustrating the immense advancement of knowledge,—the vast 
changes and improvements in art, science, and civilisation, — the 
contentions and conflicts between Governments and the people,—the 
struggles and growing energies of the press,—and the rapid strides 
which have been made in the comforts and luxuries of human life, 
in the higher and middle classes of society. All these have been 
carefully, if not critically observed by the Author, in his intercourse 
with public persons and modern Societies. To discuss or comment 
on all such matters, at any length, would be hazardous and beyond 
his powers, but it will be necessary to advert to some of the most 
influential, as indicative of the changeful features of the times; as 
tending to develope the progress of literature and art; and to mark 
the amazing contrasts presented by comparing their state at the close 
of the last century with that exhibited at the present eventful epoch. 
Draftsmen, painters, engravers, and authors, were then few in num¬ 
ber, and generally speaking of limited abilities: these classes are 
now not merely numerous, but evince great and varied talents. 
Now, Literature is addressed to millions of the human race, and cul¬ 
tivated and pursued as a profession by hundreds of accomplished 
writers, whilst almost every book, magazine, and newspaper, is illus¬ 
trated with engravings, either on steel or wood, many of which 
are of great excellence,—all indeed attractive, and calculated to make 
indelible impressions on the young and inquiring mind. 


3 


Books on Architecture, Topography, and general Antiquities, in a 
pre-eminent degree, have profited by the aid of artists of the 
present age. This will be shewn in the volume which is now in pre¬ 
paration. Its principal matter, however, will be a Catalogue Rai- 
sonne of the Author’s numerous Literary works; and he imagines it 
will thus prove useful not only to students in Topography and 
Architectural Antiquities, but to future biographers,—to book col¬ 
lectors,—and to Archaeologists, generally. The Memoir will like¬ 
wise include anecdotes of the several writers who contributed to the 
Cathedral and the Architectural Antiquities , and also of artists whose 
works have adorned them, and thereby enhanced their value. 

Having participated in the formation of several of the literary and 
scientific Institutions of the Metropolis, watched and taken an in¬ 
terest in their progress and prosperity, and also seen the decline and 
fall of many of these once influential establishments, the author is 
enabled to detail their history, and appreciate the causes and conse¬ 
quences of their success or failure. He likewise watched, with in¬ 
tense hopes, the foundation and rivalry of the two London colleges, 
—now our Metropolitan University,—and has written accounts of 
each. These, with the Architects’ and Mechanics’ Institutions, the 
Societies of Artists and of Builders, and other associations intended 
to elevate and protect Members of the different professions, and 
tradesmen in the higher departments of business, are amongst the 
signs and tokens of the times, which it is the duty and the province 
of the Author to delineate, and put on permanent and faithful record. 

If these various and important subjects do not seem immediately 
to belong to the projected Auto-biography, it may be shewn that 
they have all contributed by direct or indirect agency to influence 
the public career, and the energies of its Author. But for such 
stimuli and rivalry in the race of fame the Architectural Antiquities 
had probably never appeared, and the Cathedral Antiquities would 
certainly never have attained to the beauty, science, and skill as a 
work of illustrated literature, which it is now allowed to possess. 

Each Subscriber to this Testimonial will receive the volume here 
announced. Thus, whilst the Author will be honoured and gratified 
by a memorial of esteem, he will reciprocate the same by a literary 
receipt, which may serve at once to perpetuate the novel event, and 
transmit to future times the name of the writer, together with those 
of his kindly-disposed friends. 


4 


SUBSCRIBERS 

TO 

THE BRITTON TESTIMONIAL. 


Corrected to March lsf, 1847. 

The object of this Subscription, by the friends of Mr. BRITTON, the veteran 
Author and Antiquary, is to raise a sum of money to present him a Testimonial 
of their respect and esteem; as well as a complimentary record of their due 
appreciation of his numerous and valuable literary works. Whilst many 
Statesmen, Heroes, Men of Science, and Artists, have been nobly and justly 
rewarded by their country, or by their friends, (often by both,) it has not been 
customary to pay similar, or indeed adequate honours, to the Literary Character; 
although it is acknowledged that the works of the Author are often of more 
extensive benefit to his contemporaries, and to the world, than those of the 
most eminent in either of the other classes. 

At a Meeting of the Committee, Dec. 13th, 1845, it was Resolved, with the 
approval of Mr. Britton,—That the amount collected, be expended upon 

A Bibliographical Memoir of the Life and Writings of Mr. Britton; 
with a Portrait and other Engravings :— 

And that a Copy of the said Work be presented to every Subscriber, of a size and 
value proportionate to the amount of his Subscription. 

Resolved.— That Mr. Britton be solicited to direct and prepare such a Volume at 
his earliest convenience. 


£ 


HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ALBERT. 10 

His Grace the Duke of Sutherland . io 

His Grace the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon. 5 

The Most Noble the Marquess of Northampton. 5 

The Most Noble the Marquess of Lansdowne. 5 

The Right Honourable Earl de Grey... 5 

The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Beresford. 5 

The Right Honourable Lady Viscountess Beresford... 5 
The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Ely. 5 

Hudson Gurney, Esq., f.s.a., & c., &c. io 


£ s. d. 


John Adamson, Esq., f.s.a. , &c.... 110 

R. Alehin, Esq. 1 1 0 

G. Alexander, Esq., Archt., f.s.a. 110 

Jas. Anderton, Esq. 110 

Mr. J. Andrew. 10 0 

Sir Edmund Antrobus, Bart. 5 0 0 

Arthur Ashpitel, Esq., Architect.. 1 1 0 

J. Atkins, Esq. 2 2 0 

C. R. Ayres, Esq., Architect. 1 l 0 

Society of Antiquaries, Newcastle- 

upon-Tyne. 110 

Miss Baily. 3 0 0 

Geo. Baker, Esq. 10 0 


s. d. 

10 0 

10 0 
5 0 

5 0 

5 0 

5 0 

5 0 

5 0 

5 0 

10 0 

£ S . da 


Dr. Baron. i i o 

Chas. Barry, Esq., Architect, r.a.. 5 5 0 

Mrs. Bayliffe. l o 0 

T. Bell, Esq., f.r.s . 2 2 0 

Octavian Blewitt, Esq. 110 

W. J. Booth, Esq., Architect. 3 3 0 

Dr. Bostock. i i o 

John Bowring, Esq., ll.d.,m.p . 1 1 0 

G.Weare Braikenridge, Esq., f.s.a. 5 5 0 

E. W. Brayley, Esq., f.s.a . 2 0 0 

Bristol Mercury . \ \ o 

Bristol Mirror . \ j q 

Mr. Richard Britton. 2 2 0 

Mr. Sandys Britton. 2 2 0 



































£ a. d. 


H. Broadley, Esq., f.s.a., m.p. 3 0 0 

W. Brockedon, Esq., f.r.s. 110 

Thomas Brown, Esq. 2 2 0 

W. R. Browne, Esq. 110 

J. Browne, Esq. 110 

W. H, Ludlow Bruges, Esq., m.p.. 3 0 0 

J. S. Buckingham, Esq. 1 1 0 

Jas. Burchell, Esq. 3 3 0 

A. Burges, Esq., f.s.a., c.e. 5 5 0 

John Burnet, Esq. 110 

Archdeacon Burney, d.d., f.r.s., 


W. Burrows, Esq.— Wilts. Inde¬ 
pendent . 1 1 0 

The Proprietors of the “ Builder” 2 2 0 

D. Burton, Esq., Architect, f.s.a.. 5 5 0 
J. B. Byron, Esq... 5 5 0 

B. B. Cabbell, Esq., f.r.s. 2 2 0 

H. E. Carrington, Esq. — Bath 

Chronicle . 110 

W. Chadwick, Esq. 5 5 0 

W. Chapman, Esq. 3 3 0 

Chas. F. Cheffins, Esq. 2 2 0 

J. G. Children, Esq., f.r.s., f.s.a.. 2 2 0 
Thos. Clarke, Esq. 2 2 0 

C. F. Cliffe, Esq. 1 1 0 

John Cochrane, Esq. 1 1 0 

C. R. Cockerell, Esq., Architect, 

Professor of Architecture, r.a~. 5 0 0 

Jacob Cole, Esq. 110 

J. P. Collier, Esq., f.s.a. 2 2 0 

W. Collins, Esq., r.a. 110 

Messrs. Colnaghi and Co. 3 3 0 

J. Conolly Esq., m.d. 2 2 0 

Francis Cooper, Esq., Architect... 1 1 0 

G. R. Corner, Esq., f.s.a. 2 2 0 

Bolton Corney, Esq. 110 

R. S. Cox, Esq. 2 2 0 

John Cranage, Esq. 2 2 0 

Edw. Cresy, Esq., Architect, f.s.a. 2 2 0 

The Rev. Dr. Cromwell, f.s.a. 1 1 0 

T. Cubitt, Esq. 5 0 0 

Mrs. Cubitt. 2 0 0 

Miss Cubitt. 10 0 

Miss M. Cubitt. 1 0 0 

W. Cubitt, Esq. 5 0 0 

Mrs. W. Cubitt. 2 0 0 

Miss E. Cubitt. 1 0 0 

Lewis Cubitt, Esq., Architect. 5 0 0 

Mrs. L. Cubitt. 5 0 0 

P. Cunningham, Esq. ( Hon. Sec.). 2 2 0 
The Hon. & Rev. H. C. Cust, f.s.a. 2 0 0 

A. Cuthell, Esq. 2 2 0 

James Darnill, Esq. 1 1 0 

George Davey, Esq. 2 2 0 

B. R. Davies, Esq. 110 

The Yen. Archdeacon Dealtry .... 110 

Sir Thomas Deane, Architect. 5 0 0 

J. C. Denham, Esq. 2 2 0 

H. W. Diamond, Esq., f.s.a. 110 

Thos. Dicke, Esq. 1 1 0 


£ s. d. 


J. Dickinson, Esq., f.r.s. 2 2 0 

Robt. Dickson, Esq., m.d., f.l.s.... 10 0 

William Dixon, Esq. 7 0 0 

T. L. Donaldson, Esq., Professor 
of Architecture, University Col¬ 
lege, London. 3 3 0 

W. L. Donaldson, Esq. 110 

W. J. Dontliorne, Esq., Architect. 110 
John F. M. Dovaston, Esq., m.a... 2 2 0 

The Rev. E. Duke. 1 1 0 

J. Duncan, Esq. 2 2 0 

P. B. Duncan, Esq. 2 2 0 

W. Dunnage, Esq. 110 

J. Eiger, Esq., Architect. 2 2 0 

The Rev. H. T. Ellacombe. 110 

Jos. Ellis, Esq. 2 2 0 

Jos. Ellis, jun., Esq. 2 2 0 

C. Ellis, Esq. 2 2 0 

The Dean of Ely, d.d., f.r.s., &c. 2 2 0 

E. F. English, Esq. 2 2 0 

T. G. B. Estcourt. Esq., m.p. 5 5 0 

John Evans, Esq., f.s.a. 110 

F. W. Fairholt, Esq. 110 

Thos. Faulkner, Esq. 2 2 0 

B. Ferrey, Esq., Architect. 110 

Mr. Win. Figg. 1 1 0 

W. S. Fitch, Esq., f.s.a. 110 

W. Fleet, Esq .—Brighton Herald... 110 

John Fletcher, Esq. 110 

Henry Foss, Esq... 110 

Chas, Fowler, Esq., Architect. 110 

Chas. Frost, Esq., f.s.a. 2 2 0 

J. B. Gardiner, Esq., Architect.... 110 

John S. Gaskoin, Esq. 110 

Chas. Gibbes, Esq. 110 

Sills Gibbons, Esq. 2 2 0 

Mrs. S. Gibbons. 2 2 0 

W. Sidney Gibson, Esq., f.s.a. 110 

J. H. Glover, Esq., f.s.a. 110 

Chas. Godwin, Esq. 10 0 

Geo. Godwin, Esq. 110 

Geo. Godwin, jun., Esq., Archt., 


W. H. Gomonde, Esq. 110 

N. Gould, Esq., f.s.a. ( Treasurer ) 3 3 0 

W. Grane, Esq. 5 0 0 

J. E. Gray, Esq., f.r.s. 2 2 0 

J. Gray, Esq. 110 

Thomas A. Green, Esq., f.s.a. 2 2 0 

Thomas John Green, Esq. 110 

Benjamin W. Greenfield, Esq. 2 2 0 

G. B. Greenough, Esq., f.r.s. 2 2 0 

John Griffin, Esq. 110 

W. P. Griffith, Esq., Archt., f.s.a. 110 
T. Grissell, Esq., f.s.a. 5 0 0 

C. Hacker, Esq. 2 2 0 

S. C. Hall, Esq., f.s.a. 2 2 0 

Miss Hamper. 2 2 0 

J. D. Harding, Esq. 1 l 0 



















































































6 


£ s. d. 


Philip Hardwick, Esq., r.a., f.r.s. 5 0 0 

Edward Harman, Esq., f.s.a. 2 2 0 

James Harmer, Esq. 5 5 0 

W. J. Harrison, Esq. 110 

The Rev. Richard Hart. 1 1 0 

Jas. Hartley, Esq. 110 

W. Harvey, Esq. 2 2 0 

Henry Hatcher, Esq..". 110 

Wm. H. Hatcher, Esq., c.e. 1 1 0 

W. Herbert, Esq., Architect. 5 0 0 

The Very Rev. the Dean of Here¬ 
ford, D.D., F.S.A., F.R.S., &C. 3 3 0 

J. W. Higgins, Esq. 110 

Miss Hill. 1 0 0 

Sir Hugh Richard Hoare, Bart. ...5 5 0 

Henry Merrilc Hoare, Esq... . 5 5 0 

Henry Chas. Hoare, Esq. 3 3 0 

A. J. Beresford Hope, Esq., m.p... 5 5 0 

Henry Thomas Hope, Esq. 5 5 0 

Jas. Hopgood, Esq. 110 

W. Hosking, Esq., Professor of 
Architecture, at King’s College, 

London. 3 3 0 

John Howell, Esq. 5 5 0 

Thos. Howse, Esq. 2 2 0 

John Hulbert, Esq. 2 0 0 

Jos. Hume, Esq., m.p. 3 3 0 

L. C. Humfrey, Esq., q.c. 5 5 0 

The Rev. Jos. Hunter, f.s.a. 2 2 0 

Robt. Hunter, Esq., f.r.s., f.s.a... 110 

The Rev. J. Ingram, d.d. 5 0 0 

David Irving, Esq., ll.d. 110 

A. W. Jackson, f.g.s., c.e., and J. 

Jackson, Yeoman. 5 5 0 

The Rev. J. E. Jackson. 1 1 0 

Mr. Jaques. 110 

William Jerdan, Esq. 2 2 0 

Thos. Jolley, Esq. 110 

Mr. T. E. Jones. 110 

W. S. Jones, Esq. 2 0 0 

Messrs. Keene.— Bath Journal. . 110 

E. B. Kemble, Esq. 5 5 0 

H. E. Kendall, jun., Esq., Archt., 


Miss Kerr. 3 0 0 

The Rev. Dr. Knapp. 2 2 0 

Chas. Knight, Esq. 3 3 0 

Messrs. Charles Knight & Co. 2 2 0 

F. Lake, Esq., Artist. 1 1 0 

Wm. Laxton, Esq.— Civil Engineer 

and Architects’ Journal . 2 2 0 

John Lee, Esq., ll.d., f.s.a. 110 

J. H. Lee, Esq.— Salisbury Herald 10 0 

H. Lee, Esq. 110 

E. O. Leicester, Esq. 110 

J. H. Le Keux, Esq. 1 1 0 

Mr. J. Lilly ... 1 1 0 

Thos. Longman, Esq. 2 2 0 


£ s. d. 


Chas. E. Long, Esq. 1 l 0 

Mr. Lordan . 1 1 0 

Mrs. Loudon. 2 2 0 

M. A. Lower, Esq., f.s.a. 110 

Sir E. L. Bulwer Lytton, Bart. 3 3 0 

The Ven. Archdeacon Macdonald. 2 2 0 

Charles Mackay, Esq., ll.d. 2 2 0 

Sir. F. Madden, k.h., f.r.s., &c. 110 

G. Mair, Esq., Architect. 1 1 0 

W. Maltby, Esq. 1 1 0 

The Rev. E. Mangin. 1 1 0 

J. Marriot, Esq.— Taunton Courier 1 1 0 

James Martin, Esq .—Felix Far¬ 
ley’s Journal . 110 

R. Maugham, Esq. . 3 3 0 

John Meredith, Esq. 2 2 0 

Alfred Meredith, Esq. 2 2 0 

Mrs. Meyler.— Bath Herald . 110 

The Rev. J.'Mitford. 2 2 0 

Monmouthshire Merlin . 110 

F. G. Moon, Esq., Alderman. 5 5 0 

Thomas Moore, Esq. 2 0 0 

George Moore, Esq., Arch., f.s.a... 110 

E. R. Moran, Esq. 1 0 0 

Geo. Morant, Esq. 3 3 0 

Richard Morris, Esq. 1 1 0 

Samuel Mullen, Esq. 5 5 0 

Richard Mullings, Esq. 1 1 0 

Mr. Murdock. 110 

Edwin Nash, Esq. 110 

Joseph Neeld, Esq., m.p. 5 5 0 

J. Newman, Esq., Architect, f.s.a. 1 1 0 

J. B. Nichols, Esq., f.s.a.... 2 2 0 

J. G. Nichols, Esq., f.s.a. 110 

Jas. Nisbett, Esq.. 1 l o 

Jas. Noyes, Esq. 110 

W. Osmond, Esq. 110 

Aneurin Owen, Esq. l o 0 

The Rev. John Parker. 3 3 0 

E. T. Parris, Esq. l l o 

J. Parrott, Esq. 2 2 0 

John Parry, Esq. l i o 

Messrs. J. L. & C. Parsons. l i o 

T. Page, Esq., c.e. l i o 

Mr. John Peace . i i o 

G. Petrie, Esq., r.h.a., v.p.r.i.a.... 3 3 0 

S. L. Phillips, Esq. 110 

Sir Thomas Phillips, Bart., f.s.a.. 2 2 0 

H. W. Pickersgill, Esq., r.a. 110 

Lewis Pocock, Esq., f.s.a. 2 2 0 

William Pocock, Esq., Architect... 1 l o 

James Ponsford, Esq. 2 2 0 

Poole and Dorsetshire Herald .. 1 1 o 

The Rev. Beale Post. 1 1 0 

Geo. Pownall, Esq. 2 2 0 

Thos. Proctor, Esq. 5 0 0 

John Provis, Esq. 3 0 0 

Samuel Prout, Esq. 2 2 0 




























































































7 


£ s. d. 

A. Rainy, Esq. 3 3 0 

The Rev. Dr. Rees, f.s.a. 10 0 

Mr. W. Reid. 10 0 

Thomas Reseigh, Esq. 1 1 0 

C. J. Richardson, Esq., Arch., f.s.a. 110 

David Roberts, Esq., r.a. 3 3 0 

W. T. Roberts, Esq. 110 

C. P. Roney, Esq. 3 3 0 

Sir W. C. Ross, r.a. 2 2 0 

M. Rowe, Esq. 2 2 0 

The Rev. E. Rowlandson. 110 

W. W. Salmon, Esq. 3 3 0 

Joseph Sams, Esq. 110 

W. D. Saull, Esq., f.s.a. 10 0 

T. F. Savory, Esq., f.s.a. 5 5 0 

G. Poulett Scrope, Esq., m.p. 5 0 0 

Thos. H. Sealy, Esq. 110 

F. Shoberl, Esq... 1 1 0 

George Simpson, Esq .—Devizes 

Gazette . 110 

Thos. Skelding, Esq. 110 

B. H. Smart, Esq. 110 

The Rev. J. J. Smith. .. 2 2 0 

Chas. Roach Smith, Esq., f.s.a. ... 1 10 

John Smith, Esq. 2 2 0 

Horatio Smith, Esq. 110 

Captain Smyth. 110 

E. Snell, Esq., Architect. 1 1 0 

T. H. S. Sotheron, Esq., m.p. 1 1 0 

Messrs. Spalding and Hodge. 2 2 0 

W. Standidge, Esq. 110 

Seth W. Stevenson, Esq., f.s.a. 110 

Lieut. Stratford, f.s.a. 2 2 0 

W. Strong, Esq. 1 1 0 

Sir John E. Swinburne, Bart., f.r.s. 2 2 0 

The Rev. E. Tagart, f.s.a. 2 2 0 

Arthur Taylor, Esq., f.s.a. 1 1 0 

James Taylor, Esq. 110 

George L.Taylor. Esq., Arch., f.s.a. 2 2 0 

Sir Edward Thomason, Knt. 3 3 0 

James Thomson, Esq., Architect... 110 

John Thompson, Esq., Artist. 1 1 0 

John Thompson, Esq. 3 3 0 


£ s. d. 


John Timbs, Esq. 1 1 0 

W. Tite, Esq., Architect, f.r.s. 5 5 0 

W. Tooke, Esq., f.r.s., &c . 5 0 0 

W. C. Towers, Esq. 2 2 0 

The Rev. J. M. Traherne . 3 3 0 

Rev. T. S. Turnbull, m.a., f.r.s.... 5 0 0 
Daw r son Turner, Esq., f.r.s., f.s.a. 3 3 0 
The Rev. W. H. Turner. 1 1 0 

T. Uwins, Esq., r.a. 110 

W. Vines, Esq., f.s.a. 110 

C. E. Wagstaff, Esq. 110 

Jas. Walker, Esq., c.e . 2 2 0 

Miss Ellen L. Walker. I 1 0 

W. Wansey, Esq., f.s.a. 2 2 0 

S. Ware, Esq., Architect, f.s.a. 3 3 0 

T. S. Watson, Esq. 110 

The Rev. J. Webb, f.s.a. 2 2 0 

F. Webb, Esq. . 2 2 0 

The Very Rev. the Dean of West¬ 
minster. 2 2 0 

Francis Whishaw, Esq, f.s.a. 110 

G. T. White, Esq., Architect. 3 3 0 

Richard Samuel White, Esq. 2 2 0 

Chas. F. Whiting, Esq. 3 3 0 

George Wightwick, Esq., Archt... 110 

E. P. Williams, Esq. 110 

G. A. Williams, Esq. 2 2 0 

Samuel Williams, Esq. 110 

E. J. Willson Esq., Archt., f.s.a... 10 0 

Thos. Windus, Esq., f.s.a. 2 2 0 

John Wodderspoon, Esq. 110 

John Wood, Esq., Surveyor. 110 

John Wood, Esq., Artist. 110 

George Wood, Esq.— Bath and 

Cheltenham Gazette . 110 

Edward Wyndham, Esq. 110 

Thomas Wyse, Esq., m.p. 3 3 0 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard 110 

• • f l: . . . . , • 

The Rev. Jas. Yates. 2 2 0 

Mrs. Yates. 2 2 0 


SUBSCRIPTIONS CONTINUE TO BE RECEIVED BY 

The Treasurer , N. GOULD, Esq., 4, Tavistock Square. 

The Honorary Secretaries / GK0 * GODWIN, Esq., II, Pelham Crescent, Brompton ; 
I he Honorary secretaries, t p. C UN NINGH AM, Esq., Audit Office, Somerset Place; 


And Messrs. DIXON & Co., Bankers, 25, Chancery Lane. 


























































“ THE BRITTON TESTIMONIAL, 8vo. 1846.” 

[From the Gentleman's Magazine, June, 1846, by the Rev. John Mitford.] 

“ This little pamphlet affords an account of a dinner given to Mr. Britton 
at the Castle Hotel, at Richmond, 7th July, 1845, on the 74th anniversary 
of his birth-day, together with the toasts and speeches on the occasion, and 
a list of the subscribers to the testimonial. Nathaniel Gould, Esq. was in 
the chair, and eighty-two gentlemen were present. As circumstances de¬ 
prived us of the pleasure of joining that meeting, we may be permitted to 
express in this place our sentiments respecting it. 

“ To be born to honours is a happy accident; to achieve them is a noble 
distinction. Mr. Britton’s honourable career is all his own ; he has gained 
his station in life by diligent exertion, by the possession of useful and ele¬ 
gant acquirements, by eminence in his own particular line of study, by 
general intelligence in other branches of science and art, by a love of litera¬ 
ture, and by a generous and liberal assistance to those employed in pursuits 
congenial to his own. To his labours the architecture—and particularly 
the ecclesiastical and domestic architecture—of the country is deeply in¬ 
debted for the restoration of what was' decayed, and the improvement of 
what was defective; and in his beautiful sketches and masterly engravings, 
extending through many volumes, he has given us a treasure-house of an¬ 
tiquarian art, and made the pencil and the graver not only preserve and 
perpetuate much that has long been mouldering into shapeless ruin, but has 
also supplied many a new model of improved beauty, suggested by his own 
genius, and carried into execution by his own zeal and perseverance. There 
are, however, still higher qualities belonging to our nature than those of 
mere intellectual excellence, and greater endowments than those of scientific 
acquirement. Mr. Britton is justly endeared to his friends by the virtues 
of his heart, as well as valued by them for the cultivation of his mind. 
Whoever is acquainted with him must be pleasingly impressed with the 
simplicity of his manners, the kindness of his address, and the open, candid, 
and generous expression of his feelings. The humble writer of these lines 
has every reason to be proud of the honour conferred by his friendship, as 
he willingly confesses the advantage he has derived from his knowledge 
and attainments. Mr. Britton has enjoyed the enviable privilege of friendly 
and familiar intercourse with some of the most eminent persons of his age; 
and we can say, that many who, like ourselves, originally came to him for 
advice and instruction, soon felt anxious to cultivate a more familiar ac¬ 
quaintance, and to make private friendship be the happy result of profes¬ 
sional reputation. The names which appear in the List of Subscribers 
before us afford an ample testimonial of all that we have said. They ex¬ 
tend through all classes, from the Prince to the professional artist; and by 
their extension they stamp a more authentic value on their approbation. 
Such a band of friends any man may be justly proud of: and we trust 
that in Mr. Britton’s mind and feelings the present public evidence of 
attachment will shed a bright and genial lustre over the shadows of ad¬ 
vancing age, as they are slowly and gently closing on a long, an honourable, 
and a happy life.” 

Benhall. J. M. 


RBApZ 





THIS PAMPHLET 

is printed for, and presented to, the Subscribers to “ The Britton 
Testimonial as a pledge of the Author’s sincerity to give to each of 
those friends a copy of the Auto-biography which he is writing, 
and which he hopes to complete in the ensuing Summer. At the 
end of the pamphlet will be found some particulars of the proposed 
volume. It was intended to have introduced these Memoirs int$\ 
that work, had they not extended so far beyond the first calculations 
of the writer. The pamphlet may, however, be regarded as a 
specimen and part of the Auto-biography ; which will necessarily 
embrace short notices and anecdotes of the literary and artistic friends 
of the author, and more particularly of those who contributed 
towards, or were intimately associated with him in his publications. 


In the course of March 1847 will be published another pamphlet, 
to class and arrange with this, and with the Auto-biography, in 
which it is hoped and expected that the shade will be removed 
from the Letters of Junius .* viz. 

EXACTS AND EVIDENCE 

CALCULATED TO IDENTIFY THE AUTHORSHIP OF THE 

Setters of SUrntug; 

WITH REMARKS ON THE POPULARITY AND CHARACTERISTICS OF 

THOSE LONG FAMED, BUT 
MYSTERIOUS POLITICAL ESSAYS. 

BY 

JOHN BRITTON, F.S.A. 

WRITTEN FOR, AND INTENDED TO ACCOMPANY HIS 

AUTO-BIOGRAPHY. 


LONDON: 

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BURTON STREET. 


WHITING, 


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M.DCCC.XLVII. 


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